I wish to refer to the write-up on the debt profile of Adamawa State under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, published by the Daily Trust a few days ago.
Certain aspects in the write-up seem to have been addressed superficially and lacking in-depth knowledge. Probably, for that reason, the total amount of debt profile right from the tenure of former Governor Murtala Nyako till date, was transferred to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as the new man at the helm of affairs which is normal.
But in his desperation to be heard, the writer woefully failed to state the obvious and straighten the records for discerning minds.
The major problem Governor Fintiri had to confront for good governance anchored on probity and transparency include the over-bloated civil servants monthly salary bill, which was artificially created. Unfortunately, for the perpetrators, Fintiri forded their running political quicksand. To the good people of Adamawa State, that was a major victory for good governance.
Also, ahead of the government was the hydra-headed issue of insecurity further orchestrated and fuelled by created discord along ethnic divides. This was handled maturely and is already yielding positive results although it consumed a fortune.
No responsible government like the one on ground in Adamawa State would fail to address artificially created problems by previous governments and at the same time, be futuristic to pre-empt issues that may arise in the future.
Ramat College deteriorated to its sorry state not in the past two years, but under the stewardship of one of its “old boys” who governed the state.
Is it out of place to go borrowing and to address these compelling issues? Logically, the government has no choice than to go borrowing and put the necessary structures on ground. But unfortunately, expected results from such enterprises surface gradually.
The observations raised are noted, especially the fact that “If not directed to productive parts of the economy …..will, constitute an impediment to long term growth of the economy, open windows of mismanagement and create citizen mistrust of the government”. This is a standing truth but be rest assured that this government does not allow things to run unchecked. It ensures transparency and effective supervision at all levels.
We will not put your quoted figures into contention, but rather in addressing the substance of the issue, we will ask pertinent questions as to whether the projects are worth implementing and timely? If they are timely and worth implementing, our ardent prayers should be that the fruits of the enterprises will bear the effects. The housing scheme is for the people and the university goes for a lasting legacy of the state and the country.
The world over agribusiness is the in-thing. This government is at the advanced stage of providing food, shelter and education (technology). To these initiatives, future generations will be grateful for their assured future of blissful lives.
In the same vein comes the issue of “distributing wealth”. The issue of distributing wealth to the average politician means sharing money inside the Government House as was done in the past. No more of such in this dispensation. As a fact, loyalty can be rewarded, but surely not at the detriment of our commonwealth.
The mention of “misplacement of priorities” strikes of discontent with the government’s activities as a whole. In the first place, who decides the imperatives of the moment? The person at the helm, the person with all the reports that oversees the affairs of the state is the one in a better position to decide the precedence of issues. This again is the prerogative of the governor.
On the issue of mistrust, this is not the broad picture but only a reflection of the wishful thinking of people that never wish this government well.
Where there are no challenges the best cannot manifest. The challenges before Fintiri and the activities of his traducers have not made him to falter or waver for gratefulness.
We appreciate your observations.
George Kushi is the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State
