SPECIAL BROADCAST BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ADAMAWA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. AHMADU UMARU FINTIRI, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 59TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF NIGERIA, ON 1ST OCTOBER, 2019.

Fellow citizens of Adamawa State, 

With gratitude to God and a high sense of responsibility, I heartily felicitate with you on this occasion of the 59th Independence Anniversary of our dear country, Nigeria. 

In 1960, our founding fathers secured our freedom from colonial rule and bequeathed to us a country with great potentials and high hopes. 

After nearly six decades, our journey to nationhood has, at some points, been rough, tough and challenging but often characterized by hope, resilience and some degrees of success. 

Given our abundant natural resources, favourable climate and a large population of hardworking people, we have all it takes to build a developed nation that is admired by friends, feared by enemies and respected by all.

Individually, we have excelled in various fields of endeavour across the world. Currently, a Nigerian is presiding over the largest gathering of world leaders as President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Similarly, another Nigerian and an illustrious son of Adamawa State is at the helm of affairs as General Secretary of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in Vienna, Austria. These and many other examples prove that we have the potentials to build a strong nation that can lead Africa and indeed, the world. To this end, we must rise above primordial sentiments and prejudice based on religion, region, tribe and social status. 

As we celebrate our Independence, I urge all of us to renew our commitment towards building a united, strong and prosperous nation. 

In the same vein, let us reflect on the fortunes of our State, Adamawa which God-through your votes-has now granted me the responsibility and privilege to lead as Governor for four years. I am fully aware of your high expectation on me and my government. By the grace of God and your support, I will not fail you; we will not disappoint you. 

Over the last 121 days, we have began to lay solid foundations for the growth and development of Adamawa State. With remarkable success, we are tackling the different dimensions of insecurity across the state in a dynamic and effective manner. In this connection, we have purchased 60 Hilux and 20 Land Cruiser pick up vans as well as 50 motorcycles to strengthen our new security outfit “Operation Farauta:, with plans to do more. We are also actively engaging traditional rulers and community leaders in various peace-building initiatives to stem the herdsmen/farmers clashes. 

In another breath, we are determined to increasingly enhance the welfare and capacity of workers towards making Civil Service play an active role in implementing government policies and programmes in line with our 11-point agenda. 

I am aware that the decision to review certain actions by the previous administration that affect the Civil Service is causing some anxiety. I want to assure you that our intention is to ensure that due process is followed in government actions and all Adamawa people are treated equally. Under my watch, no qualified indigene of the state should be, or will be, denied access to government employment, promotion or service because of his or her religion, tribe, social background, economic status or political views. 

Furthermore, I wish to assure the Organized Labour and all workers of Adamawa State that my government is committed to paying the new minimum wage when the details of the consequential adjustments have been worked out which, I hope, will be soon. 

Unlike what obtained in the past, we have also granted full autonomy to Local Government Councils in the State. This has brought tremendous “Fresh Air” to workers at that level and the entire grassroots. 

In line with the 1999 Constitution and the need to strengthen our democracy, we shall soon conduct elections into all the 21 Local Government Councils in the state. I call on all of you to ensure that the exercise is conducted peacefully and successfully.

In my campaign promises, I have made it clear that if elected into office, education would receive priority attention next only to security. I firmly believe that education holds the key to the development of any society. This has informed my government’s decision to declare ‘Free Education’ in all public Primary and Secondary Schools in the state. This will cost government huge sums of money, but for us, no amount is too much to spend on education. 

We will enhance the security, welfare and quality of education of our dear students. We shall also endeavour to transform the tertiary institutions to enable them render high-quality and fully-accredited academic programmes. 

We are also embarking on ambitious but realistic projects and programmes on critical sectors like health, agriculture, infrastructure, water supply, youth development, sports, women empowerment, social justice and so on. 

Our target is not only to give our people a new lease of life but to also erect strong pillars that will guarantee the safety and prosperity of our future generations. 

 To help me drive the process of government and in line with our Constitution, I will soon submit a list of people to the Adamawa State House of Assembly that I hope will be screened, confirmed and eventually sworn-in as Honourable Commissioners and members of the State Executive Council. Together, we shall run a government that is just, honest, fair, responsive, responsible, prudent, accountable, inclusive, focused and firm. 

At this juncture, I wish to thank you for your understanding, support and prayers. 

I urge you to continue to support and pray for us so that together, we will build a new Adamawa State of our dreams. 

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Long live Adamawa State!

Happy Independence Day!