By Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday
Recently, there has been a coordinated attempt—particularly on social media—to smear the reputation of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, portraying him as a religious bigot and a male chauvinist. These false narratives have gained momentum since the unfortunate passing of Hon. Shaibu Babas, Chairman of Fufore Local Government Council, on April 23, 2025.
Some have alleged that Governor Fintiri delayed the swearing-in of the Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Peace Samson Audu, simply because she is a Christian and a woman. While a few concerns may stem from genuine misunderstanding or ignorance, many of the louder voices are driven by mischief, blackmail, provocation, and a deliberate attempt to stoke religious tension—an act that must be condemned in the strongest terms.
Take, for example, Senator Ishaku Abbo, who personally reached out to me about this matter but went on to misrepresent our discussion in a misleading Facebook post.
Having served closely with Governor Fintiri for six years—first as Head of Service and now as Chief of Staff—I can categorically state that he is neither a religious bigot nor a chauvinist. He does not make decisions based on parochial or sectarian sentiments. Despite our differing faiths—he being Muslim and I, Christian—he appointed me as his Chief of Staff, placing me in a position of deep trust.
Notably, the most vocal critics on this issue are members of the APC and supporters of Senator Aishatu Binani, many of whom did not support the Babas/Peace ticket during the Fufore chairmanship elections. Their sudden embrace of constitutionalism now rings hollow and opportunistic.
Ironically, these same individuals accused Fintiri of being “too pro-Christian” in the lead-up to the 2023 elections. Yet under his leadership, inclusivity has been a foundational principle. Religious, ethnic, and gender representation have all been reflected across appointments and governance structures.
The decision to pair Mrs. Peace Audu, a Christian woman, with Hon. Shaibu Babas, a Muslim man, on the Fufore chairmanship ticket was deliberate and inclusive. If Governor Fintiri intended to be biased, he could have supported a Muslim-Muslim ticket in Fufore, just as he backed Christian-Christian tickets in areas like Guyuk and Numan.
Furthermore, Christians and women have previously served as Chairpersons of Fufore Local Government Council. Mrs. Peace Audu, when sworn in, would not be setting a precedent.
It is also important to clarify that Mrs. Audu is currently serving as Acting Chairman, with full authority and responsibility. There is no leadership vacuum. Her succession was anticipated by the provisions of the Adamawa State Local Government Establishment and Administration Law No. 4 of 2000. Section 22(1) clearly states: “The Vice-Chairman shall hold office of the Chairman if the office of the Chairman becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, or removal.” The law does not stipulate a specific timeline for formal swearing-in.
Governor Fintiri has consistently shown fairness in appointments, empowerment programs, contracts, and support for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages. His own choice of a Christian woman as Deputy Governor speaks volumes about his commitment to equity and inclusiveness.
It is disheartening that certain morally compromised individuals—driven by desperation and political frustration—are exploiting religion for personal gain. Governor Fintiri remains above such tactics.
