By Billy Graham, Abel Yola
Chief of Staff to the Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Dr. Edgar Amos, 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 the Chairman of Fufore Local Government Area, 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, stressing that 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 his deputy.
“Governor Fintiri has always prioritised 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 individuals with political motives, particularly those aligned with the opposition party and former election rivals were peddling most of the online criticisms.