By Billy Graham Abel, Yola
Dr. Edgar Amos, the chief of staff to the Adamawa state governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has debunked the spurious claims among opposition groups and their social media agents, alleging that the governor has a hidden bias against Christians and women in government appointments.
In a strongly worded statement he titled “Fintiri and Religious Yahoos”, Dr. Edgar described the allegations as politically motivated attempts to smear the governor’s image, especially in the wake of the death of Fufore Local Government Chairman, Hon. Shaibu Babas.
Responding to criticisms that Governor Fintiri delayed the swearing-in of the Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Peace Samson Audu a Christian woman Edgar stated that the law already empowers her to act as Chairman, and there is no constitutional time frame for a formal swearing-in.
“Mrs. Peace Audu is already acting as Chairman of Fufore LGA with all the powers and responsibilities of the office. There is no vacuum in leadership, and there is no discrimination in play,” Edgar explained.
He further pointed out that the Governor’s administration is a model of inclusivity and balance, citing his own appointment as a Christian and Chief of Staff, as well as the selection of a Christian woman as the Governor’s Deputy.
“Governor Fintiri has always prioritized unity, appointing people based on competence and merit, not religion, ethnicity, or gender. He supported both Christian-Christian and Muslim-Muslim tickets in local elections where appropriate. The Fufore case, where a Christian woman was paired with a Muslim man, reflects that balance,” he added.
The Chief of Staff also noted that most of the online criticisms are being peddled by individuals with political motives, particularly those aligned with the opposition party and former election rivals.
“The same people who once accused the Governor of being too pro-Christian are now calling him a religious bigot. These contradictions expose their real intentions: mischief and political provocation,” he said.
He reminded critics that previous Christian and female Chairpersons have served in Fufore, and Mrs. Audu’s current position is not unprecedented. He called on the public to resist being misled by “morally bankrupt elements” seeking to divide the state along religious lines.
Dr. Edgar concluded by reaffirming Governor Fintiri’s commitment to fairness and unity, describing him as a leader “above religious, tribal, or gender discrimination.”