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Tag: Fintiri

  • Fintiri begins N5bn credit guarantee scheme

    Fintiri begins N5bn credit guarantee scheme

    Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has begun the N5bn credit guarantee scheme for agribusiness owners in the state.

    A statement by Muhammad Tukur, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, said beneficiaries of the scheme would include producers, aggregators and marketers.

    Fintiri, while speaking in the Government House Yola, said the scheme is one of the main components of the Adamawa Agribusiness Support (ADAS) Programme.

    Read Also: Fintiri shuts unregistered colleges of health

    He explained that the scheme would help the beneficiaries to access loans from financial institutions.

    Fintiri appealed to people to continue to exercise patience over the hike in the price of food items, adding that his administration would continue to provide palliatives to the people to cushion the effect.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Auwal Tukur, said that through the ADAS, the state government has generated over N1 billion from the Agribusiness collections.

    The highlight of the event was the presentation of loan letters to some of the beneficiaries of the scheme.

  • Fintiri shuts unregistered colleges of health

    Fintiri shuts unregistered colleges of health

    Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has closed unregistered colleges of health technology.

    He told reporters at the Government House in Yola that the institutions would remain shut till they were certified.

    The Nation reports that private colleges have been springing up.

    Read Also: You’ve dumped us, youth group tells Gov Fintiri

    The state House of Assembly, alarmed by the large number, put at 19, mandated its committees of health and of education  to investigate the legality of the colleges.

    This was late in July, this year.

    Fintiri said yesterday after a meeting with members of his cabinet and heads of tertiary institutions in the state, that the proscription would remain in force until the right things were done.

    In a related development, he ordered that the state-own College of Health in Mubi, should be moved to its original site in Michika.

  • Fintiri and Adamawa’s ‘unpaid civil servants’

    SIR: At the tail-end of his administration, former Adamawa State governor, Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow went berserk – employing literally everyone and giving waivers to whoever has contacts and connections with people in government. The action created social and political problems for the new governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

    Sadly, Governor Fintiri has not managed it with ‘political-intelligence. This is a problem Fintiri must use both his political intuition and off-the-shelves political science, to solve.

    On Wednesday, October 2, the aggrieved civil servants staged a peaceful protest over six months’ unpaid salaries. The deputy governor, Chief Crowther Seth received them with an open hand; that was a politically correct move. However, the issue has become a big one for Fintiri’s administration, which has recorded superb performance in the few months in office. Every political pundit knows that the issue is now the only item on the opposition’s table, which they use against Fintiri, with joy!

    The truth is that it is neither economically feasible nor sustainable for the government to keep the new employees, but it also very dangerous politically for the Fintiri to lay them off. The more time the issue lingers, the more nexus of problems it will generate, further damaging Fintiri administration’s public image.

    What should Fintiri do? The government has setup a competent committee to advise it. Governor Fintiri should look at the issue through the prism of the ladder that brought him to power- the spirit of give and take. Those who got waivers to change places of assignment, but didn’t follow due process, should revert to their former workstations, but those who followed due process should maintain their new posts. Those who got employment and are qualified for the positions should be retained. But those who are not qualified should be let go. However, they should be put in the administration’s social investment programme with a monthly stipend. Furthermore, they should get priority when the administration starts employing for position they are fit for. While these do not entirely solve the problem at hand, it gives the governor some political breathing space.

    The politics of employment, workers’ salaries and social welfare is an intricate one; it can make or mar public office holders notwithstanding their performance in office. As a man who came to power via intricate politicking, strange political alliances and strong support from common people, Fintiri is up against high-wired politics of Adamawa and at the same time laden with expectations from the common man.

    We must admit that, on this issue, the government has not applied the 13 golden rules of PR crisis management. How Governor Fintiri manages these will either further endear him to the people or relegate him to a political loner. For Fintiri to succeed in the Adamawa’s murky politics, mired in self-seeking interests of political bigwigs, he must balance policies and politics. No governor in Adamawa State succeeds without understanding the balancing of development with playing local politics.

    The issue of the unpaid civil servants is a simple matter in common sense; but is a tough call for Fintiri, politically. As a governor with good education and a future ahead of him, Fintiri needs to define how he wants to be perceived politically by politicians and economically by the common man. Governor Fintiri has so far performed excellently; smartly addressing the concerns of the unpaid civil servants will earn him an edge over the opposition.

     

    • Zayyad I. Muhammad,

    Jimeta, Adamawa State.

  • Fintiri’s election signifies new dawn in Adamawa, says Atiku

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has said that the election of Mr Ahmadu Fintiri as governor of Adamawa State is a dawn of a glorious new era for the state.

    The former Vice President expressed delight that the PDP came victorious in the governorship election in his home state, and that the decision of the vast majority of Nigerians to vote for the PDP signified that the party is truly a party of the people.

    In a statement Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said, “My home state of Adamawa has chosen the PDP to lead them. I am truly proud of this and let me assure you that you have chosen a leader with the zeal and determination to put Adamawa on the best path.

    Read Also: Atiku, PDP get tribunal’s nod to serve Buhari through APC

    “You have chosen a leader who appreciates Adamawa’s diversity and who will run an inclusive government for the betterment of all”.

    He congratulated governor-elect on his resounding victory at the polls, adding that Fintiri won the poll in spite of the various antics of the ruling party to frustrate the wishes of the people in the state.

    “Our people have stood with Governor-Elect Fintiri in the course of this election with an abiding commitment never to allow the power that be to rob them of their votes.

    “I congratulate you on your election, while I also hail our people for making the right decision to choose you as leader at this point in time. I am confident that the hope reposed in you is well placed and that your tenure will launch our state to greater heights”.

  • Fintiri wins Adamawa PDP governorship primaries

    Former Adamawa Assembly Speaker and Acting governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri has emerged winner of Adamawa Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship primary election.

    Fintiri scored 1,656 votes to defeat four other candidates to emerge winner.

    Declaring the result on Monday, the Returning Officer for the election, Alhaji Adamu Shuaibu, said Fintiri scored 1,656 votes, followed by Amb. Mohammed Jameel, who scored 465 votes.

    Mr Bala Ngilari scored 78 votes, Mr Aliyu Umar scored eight votes, while Dr Umar Ardo scored only one votes.

    Two other contestants, Alhaji Sa’ad Tahir and Alhaji Adamu Modibbo withdrew from the primaries.

    “I Adamu Shu’aibu, returning officer of the Adamawa PDP Governorship Primary election, wish to announced that the election was transparent, free and fair.

    ” And after counting the votes, I wish to announce that Umar Ahmadu Fintiri haven scored the highest votes of 1,656 is hereby declared winner of the Adamawa PDP  Governorship Primary Election,” Shu’aibu said.

    Addressing his supporters shortly after the announcement, Fintiri thanked the party’s stakeholders, especially Atiku Abubakar, Bamanga Tukur and Prof. Jibrin Aminu among others.

    Fintiri also appreciated the effort of the delegates and promised to bring meaningful development into the state.

    “If elected I will guaranteed the welfare of people of the state, especially the civil servants. And I will make the retirement to be blessing rather than curse as being experienced in the state,” Fintiri said.

    He called on the party’s members to support him to capture the Dougirei Government House, Yola, comes 2019. (NAN)

  • Fintiri declares governorship bid in Adamawa

    Former Acting Governor, Adamawa State, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has officially declared his intention to contest for governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

    He made the declaration at the party secretariat in Yola, where he defied a torrential downpour to address the mammoth crowd.

    The former Speaker, Adamawa House of Assembly said the condition of the state, which he claims has been constantly and embarrassingly lagging behind its peers, and the pressure from the people of Adamawa State prompted him to indicate interest in the governorship race.

    In his words, “That Adamawa State has not been working and that it has been constantly lagging behind its peers is no news. That we continue on this trajectory as long as we do not change the direction and quality of governance is open to debate. That the consequences not only for the poor but also the rich are threateningly ominous is also not in doubt.

    “Indeed to continue doing the same thing and expect different result is another definition of insanity.”

    He therefore said, “I have no option than to succumb to the sustained pressure by the people of Adamawa to join this race.”

    While commissioning his campaign office, Fintiri said he will present himself before the party on the 28th, and officially declare on the 29th.

    The governorship aspirant also said he is open to a consensus, but if that does not work, then all will have to go the poll.

    Chairman, PDP, Adamawa State chapter, Barr. Tahir Shehu promised a free and fair primary and a level playing ground to all candidates.

     

  • Alleged N2.9b fraud: Court grants N500m bail to ex-Adamawa Gov Fintiri

    Alleged N2.9b fraud: Court grants N500m bail to ex-Adamawa Gov Fintiri

    A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday granted bail to  former Governor of Adamawa State, Adamu Umaru Fintiri,  who was arraigned on Thursday on a five-count of money laundering.

    Fintiri was arraigned with his company – Mayim Construction and Properties Limited – and accused of diverting about N2.9billion belonging to the state.

    In a ruling yesterday, Justice Ahmed Mohammed admitted Fintiri to bail on the ground that, having earlier been granted administrative bail by the complainant – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) – since June 15, 2016, with no complaint of him defaulting, there was no need for the court to refuse him such opportunity.

    “The court has not seen any reason not to admit the first defendant (Fintiri) to bail pending determination of the case, and so, the defendant is hereby admitted to bail in the sum of N500million with two sureties in like sum, who must have landed properties within Abuja.

    “The title documents of the properties are to be submitted with the court registrar along with the international passport of the defendant. The first defendant is not to travel out of the country pending the determination of the case.

    “The two sureties are to submit two recent passport photographs. The defendant is to remain in prison custody pending satisfaction of bail conditions”, Justice Mohammed said.

     Shortly after the ruling, prosecution lawyer, Aso Larrys Peters, informed the court that Fintiri has two international passports and had only submitted one to the EFCC, while making arrangements to travel with the other.

    Fintiri’s lawyer, Maxwell Gidado (SAN) denied the claim, saying, “it is a crime in Nigeria to own two passports.”

    Justice Mohammed acknowledged the possibility of the defendant having both an “ordinary” and a “diplomatic” passport.

    The judge subsequently directed that the passport in the EFCC should be brought to the court, while the defendant would sign an undertaking, barring him from international travel pending the determination of the case.

    Thereafter, the matter was adjourned till October 6, 2016 for the commencement of the trial.

  • Court grants ex-governor Fintiri bail

    Court grants ex-governor Fintiri bail

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to former Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, who is standing trial for money laundering charges.

    Fintiri was arraigned with his company – Mayim Construction and Properties Limited – for diverting about N2.9billion belonging to the state.

    Justice Ahmed Mohammed said he granted Fintiri bail because the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which granted the ex-governor an administrative bail on June 15 has not complained of any default on the part of the defendant.

    “The court has not seen any reason not to admit the first defendant (Fintiri) to bail pending determination of the case and so, the defendant is hereby admitted to bail in the sum of N500million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must have landed properties within Abuja.

    “The title documents of the properties are to be submitted with the court registrar along with the international passport of the defendant. The first defendant must not travel out of the country pending the determination of case.

    “The two sureties are to submit two recent passport photographs. The defendant is to remain in prison custody pending satisfaction of bail conditions,” Justice Mohammed ruled.

     

  • Alleged N1.9b fraud: EFCC detains ex-Governor Fintiri

    Alleged N1.9b fraud: EFCC detains ex-Governor Fintiri

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday detained a former Acting Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri in connection with the ongoing probe of a N1.9billion fraud.

    The ex-governor is being investigated for alleged abuse of office and corruption.

    According to a top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said the ex-governor was invited by the EFCC but it became necessary to detain him to enable investigators to grill him.

    The source said the ex-governor arrived at the EFCC headquarters at about 12noon and had undergone quizzing for seven hours as at the time of filing this report.

    The source said: “The governor was invited following a petition to the EFCC by a former member of his cabinet, who said he could not keep quiet on what transpired under Fintiri.

    “From our preliminary findings, we discovered that while in office, the administration of Fintiri awarded two road contracts including a N1billion work for Yola township road and another N1.9billion for road project in Mararaba Garta, which was ravaged by Boko Haram.

    “From our preliminary findings, the two projects were awarded to Roycon Limited. Although there was evidence of the execution of Yola road project, the contracting firm could not move to Mararaba Garta because of Boko Haram insurgency.

    “But from records available, Roycon Limited was given a mobilization fee of N20million. But the said N200million was later traced to Mayim Construction and Properties Limited which is allegedly owned by Fintiri.

    “About $3.8million from the contract sum was alleged to have been paid to Fintiri who used it to purchase a property in Taraba State.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Investigation so far revealed that Fintiri took a loan from a bank to set up a tea farm on Mambilla Plateau. But when he allegedly got the $3.8million, he diverted it to offset the loan.

    “We have taken Fintiri into custody, he might spend some days with us before being admitted to bail. “We have a few issues to also clarify from him. When Fintiri became the acting governor, Adamawa State’s debts amounted to N8.7bliion but within four months, the profile rose to N13.85bliion.

    Following the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy, Bala Ngilari in July 2014, Fintiri became acting governor as the then Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

    Nyako allegedly left a balance of N1, 957, 045, 82 in the state government project account with a bank.

    But Fintiri directed that N1.9 billion from the account be released to the state Ministry of Works on August 27, 2014.

    It was the same funds that landed Fintiri in trouble because the road project was not executed.

  • Adamawa PDP splits over plot to bring back Fintiri

    Barely five weeks to the elections, tension has overwhelmed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over alleged plot to sack Governor Bala James Ngilari and reinstate the former Acting Governor, Umar Fintiri, through the court.

    Ngilari, a former deputy governor to the impeached Governor Murtala Nyako, was declared the substantive governor on October 8 last year by a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Ademola.

    But Fintiri went to the Court of Appeal to challenge his removal and seek reinstatement.

    The apex court asked the parties to submit written addresses by March 3.

    Some forces  in PDP were, however, unhappy with Ngilari for not whole-heartedly backing the party’s governorship candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    The forces discovered through intelligence that the governor had been allegedly supporting the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Marcus Gundiri.

    It was learnt that the forces, including some in the presidency, were disturbed that Ngilari was allegedly promoting Christianity agenda for Gundiri in cahoot with a serving minister.

    It was gathered that although a reconciliation of all groups had been effected, signals showed that Ngilari might favour Gundiri more than Ribadu.

    It was alleged that Gundiri might be enjoying state funding of his party’s campaign.

    The permutations by the PDP border on the need to settle the matter through the court by easing out Ngilari.

    Investigation showed that the forces at work were more at home with the reinstatement of Fintiri, who has learnt his lessons by dumping his aspiration for any elective office.

    The massive turnout of Fintiri’s supporters at the presidential rally was said to have convinced anti-Ngilari forces that Fintiri, who is the Speaker of the House of Assembly, is an electoral asset.

    The campaign was allegedly used to test the waters for Fintiri.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Adamawa is back in the news. Some forces are just uncomfortable with Ngilari, who is being accused of anti-party activities.

    “They are alleging that the governor is surreptitiously supporting Gundiri, a Christian, instead of the PDP candidate, Mallam Ribadu.

    “Ribadu’s camp has bent forward and backward to accommodate the governor with a senatorial ticket, but the Ngilari group is adamant on Gundiri.

    “So, there is a plot to give Ngilari what is now known in the Northeast as “Taraba treatment”, which led to the ouster of the former Acting Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar, by the court.

    “This has created tension,  because Christians in Adamawa may engage in block voting against Ribadu.

    “But the forces behind the plot believe that Fintiri is more popular in Adamawa North Senatorial District than Ngilari. They said irrespective of religion, Fintiri may win Christian votes for PDP.”

    Another source said: “There is anxiety in the state that some forces were bent on removing the Christian governor through judicial ambush.

    “Their grouse is that Ngilari has not been loyal to the party at all. But some PDP leaders said it is better to ask the presidency to call Ngilari to order than creating another crisis, which may favour the opposition.

    “We are in a delicate situation where neither PDP nor SDP will win the election if Ngilari is sacked.