By Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday
Throughout history, certain leaders have emerged who reshaped the destinies of their societies—and, in some cases, the world. Figures like Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, Kwame Nkrumah, and Nelson Mandela all possessed a rare aura that empowered them to inspire change and alter the course of history.
In contemporary Nigeria, one such figure is His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State. His compelling presence and transformative energy mark him out as a leader of substance.
Admittedly, my position as an aide may be seen as a reason to praise him. But silence, when the truth is clear, only feeds falsehood. It would be dishonest not to speak plainly about what is evident.
Governor Fintiri possesses gravitas—a commanding seriousness that earns trust and respect. His choleric temperament leaves no doubt about who is in charge. He radiates confidence, sees challenges as surmountable, and consistently overcomes them.
Once again, as in the past, the PDP is turning to the strength of Fintiri’s leadership to help navigate critical challenges ahead of its national convention in August. His presence offers stability in uncertain times.
Fintiri also embodies gumption—a blend of intelligence, courage, and resourcefulness. His interactions with the Cabinet, Legislature, Judiciary, the Press, organized labour, security agencies, traditional institutions, and religious bodies reflect a leader fully in control of his brief. He manages people and institutions with deftness and tact.
He is hands-on, frequently visiting project sites, engaging consultants and contractors, and ensuring strict adherence to timelines and standards. His inclusive appointments reflect an acute awareness of the state’s diversity and a deep commitment to unity.
Perhaps his most defining quality is courage. Once convinced of the justice or merit of a cause, Fintiri advances it with unwavering conviction. A striking example is the recent creation of seven new emirates and chiefdoms—a bold decision taken amid threats, religious and media attacks, and intellectual pushback. Yet it earned widespread acclaim. One elder statesman was so enthused, he suggested renaming Adamawa as “Fintiri State.”
Less visible but deeply rooted is the Governor’s faith. Fintiri is a man of profound belief in God. He often reminds us that true power comes not from political scheming, but from divine will. His fearlessness, I believe, is grounded in that faith.
Above all, Governor Fintiri is a visionary. His policies reflect not just an awareness of present needs, but a clear blueprint for the future. His investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment, sports, and security are building blocks for the Adamawa of tomorrow.
Of course, like every leader, he is human and not without flaws. But over the past six years, Governor Fintiri has undeniably altered the social, economic, and political landscape of Adamawa State—for the better.
This is his moment. And the Fintiri aura is unmistakable.
