The Adamawa State Government has dismissed social media reports claiming that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has removed all District Heads and title holders across the state, labeling the information as a “mischievous misrepresentation.”

A spokesman to the governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, clarified that the directive was solely aimed at ensuring harmony within the traditional institution following the creation of new Chiefdoms and Emirates.

“There has been a mischievous misrepresentation circulating on social media that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has removed all District Heads and titleholders,” Wonosikou said.

“However, the Governor has only directed concerned District Heads that have traditional titles from their previous traditional councils to drop those titles and pledge loyalty to their new Chiefs and Emirs.”

He explained that the directive applies only to District Heads who hold traditional titles from their former councils, emphasizing that it is part of the government’s broader effort to promote unity and cultural preservation in the state.

“With the creation of new Chiefdoms and Emirates, District Heads who have titles from their former councils are expected to seek titles that align with their cultural traditions and heritage from the rightful custodians of their culture,” he added.

The governor instructed Emirs and Chiefs of the newly established traditional councils to seek approval before conferring new traditional titles on their District Heads.

Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity and respect for the traditions of the people of Adamawa.

“As a policy, I call on all the District Heads concerned to transfer their loyalty, rights, and privileges to the new emirates and chiefdoms. Hence, traditional titles acquired from their old emirates and chiefdoms are to be dropped.

“The constituted traditional councils of the new emirates and chiefdoms are therefore directed to recommend new titles for the District Heads for approval in line with the statutory dictates of the tradition.”

The government condemned the alleged misuse of artificial intelligence to twist the Governor’s directive, warning against the spread of falsehoods intended to mislead the public and tarnish the administration’s image.

Wonosikou urged residents to disregard the false narratives and seek accurate information from official government sources.

“The Governor’s policy aims to promote cultural preservation, unity, and progress in Adamawa State. We advise the public to be wary of misinformation and always verify claims before spreading them,” he said.

“The Adamawa State Government reassures traditional leaders and the public that the Governor remains committed to upholding the dignity and integrity of the state’s traditional institutions.”