• Governor reads riot act to criminal elements
The much-anticipated defection of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri from the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may have been hastened, following the resignation of the Speaker, Westley Batiya and 14 members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, yesterday.

Penultimate Monday, when President Bola Tinubu paid a one-day working visit to the state, speculations were rife that the much-awaited decamping of the governor would be made official.

The President, who arrived at the Adamawa State International Airport, alongside the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, showered encomiums on Fintiri for his impactful projects, stressing that the governor’s education programmes were a weapon against poverty.

Tinubu’s visit to Adamawa followed a familiar pattern of visiting opposition governors before their formal entry into the APC. On January 4, 2025, the President visited Enugu and commissioned legacy projects by Governor Peter Mbah and eight months after, Mbah joined APC.

Although the APC state congresses have reached an advanced stage, sources disclosed that Fintiri’s entry would engender special consideration of membership registration and congresses.

The lawmakers, while announcing their decision to decamp from PDP, declared that they were prepared to follow the governor to any political destination he chooses, adding that they informed the governor of their stance.

Disclosing their decision to resign from PDP, the Speaker, Westley, explained that they were worried primarily by the persistent national crises within the party, which they said made it impossible for the party to function and difficult for them to remain members in good conscience.

Chairman, House Committee on Information and member representing Mayo-Belwa constituency, Musa Mahmud Kallamu, who had also resigned from the PDP, noted that the destination of the lawmakers would be made known soon.

Kallamu observed that although there are rumours that the lawmakers are joining the APC, “our slogan, Kafan shi Kafan mu (we’ll be with you wherever you go), still stands. That’s to say, where the governor moves, we’ll be right with him.”

Meanwhile, Fintiri has condemned the recent attacks on communities in Madagali and Hong council areas of the state, describing them as cowardly acts of terrorism that would not be tolerated.

In a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Humwashi Wonosikou, the governor warned the perpetrators to immediately desist from further violence or face decisive consequences.

“We will not allow terrorists to undermine the peace and stability we have worked hard to restore. Those behind these senseless acts must stop now or face the full weight of our collective resolve,” he declared.

The governor reassured residents of the state government’s unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism and safeguarding lives and property.

He emphasised that the current administration had successfully confronted similar security challenges in the past, and remained determined to do so again.

Fintiri also pledged close collaboration with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice. He commended the security forces for their courage, dedication, and continued sacrifices in protecting communities, assuring them of sustained government support.

Calling for unity, the governor urged citizens to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.