By Niwesa Kushi
Regrettably, efforts have been made to undermine the reputation of a distinguished individual who adheres to the principles of fairness, justice, and discipline. This lack of decorum is not surprising, particularly when one considers the unwillingness to engage in the unsavory actions expected of a leader associated with the Adamawa State Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
It is imperative to cease the silence and clarify the facts. The board chairman, Niwesa Kushi, is innocent and has not participated in the sale of unauthorised shop space in the Jimeta Ultra Modern Market.
The attempt to associate the alleged sales of unauthorised shop space with the immediate past chairman is both condemnable and unfounded.
These allegations not only lack substantive evidence but also seem to serve as a deliberate diversion from the real offenders responsible for the current encroachment and unauthorised construction within the market.
Within the market community, it is widely acknowledged that the current Commissioner of Commerce and Industry in Adamawa State, Ishaya Dabari, has been significantly involved in the unauthorised allocation and construction of shops and stalls in Jimeta Modern Market, even prior to the appointment of the Kushi-led board members.
Under Commissioner Dabari’s inadequate oversight, questionable market structures have emerged without the requisite documentation or planning approval. The most recent examples include the construction of new shops that deviate from the master plan for the ongoing Yola Market development project, supported by our esteemed Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
These structures were subsequently demolished following a visit by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri upon discovering the illegal constructions. It would be highly inappropriate for Commissioner Dabari to feign ignorance regarding these unauthorised shops; if such is the case, it would further demonstrate his inefficiency as a leader.
Rather than offer clarity, transparency, and order, the Commissioner has perpetuated confusion by directly intervening in market operations, circumventing due process, and undermining established systems. His actions across all trade sectors have not only eroded the authority of the dissolved Jimeta market board but have also compromised the original master plan for the market.
It is disheartening that the Commissioner, who should serve as the custodian of lawful trade practices and regulatory oversight, has instead facilitated a climate of impunity and clandestine dealings, allowing for the erection of unauthorised structures while shifting blame onto the former board chairman to mitigate public scrutiny.
Should there be valid concerns regarding illegal activities within Jimeta Modern Market and adjacent trade areas, a credible investigation should be initiated at the level of the Commissioner himself.
We urge the Adamawa State Government to initiate an independent investigation into the operations of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under Ishaya Dabari and to ensure accountability for any market irregularities identified.
We will not permit our market to become a political battleground, particularly for those seeking to mislead our capable governor.
We wish to express our gratitude to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for exemplifying purposeful leadership in Adamawa State, which has facilitated the establishment of the inaugural board members of the Jimeta Ultra Modern Market.
Through his visionary leadership, the board members have gained strength and driven reforms that have positively transformed the market. These enhancements have included improved security measures for solar installations, a redefined administrative structure that fostered orderliness ( Opening and closing times and clearing of traders on that main road) and the promotion of a culture rooted in transparency, fairness, and justice.
We remain optimistic that the Governor, renowned for his commitment to fair hearings, will appoint a committee to discover the truth and assess the accomplishments of the board chairman during his tenure.
