Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was seemingly rattled and dazed by the avowal of president Muhammadu Buhari to work assiduously for the victory of the first female governor in Nigeria.
Buhari who made the statement at the Lamido’s palace while in the state for the presidential and Gubernatorial campaign of APC on Monday dropped the shocker in the presence of his host, governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The president said Adamawa State is on the cusps of history in Nigeria as it prepares to elect the first female governor.
“For us we are pleased our spectacular candidate I think the first lady governor God willing is here. We are going to make sure that we speak to Nigerians through Adamawa state to make sure that Adamawa is picking the first lady candidate to be the governor of the state.
“We are here to give her our moral support because the ladies have been fighting us from a safe distance let them come close enough and test what the men are going through. For those who are opposing us I wish them best of luck,” Buhari said.
The president during the campaign proper at the newly commissioned Muhammadu Buhari square near the Yola International Airport similarly reiterated his avowal to ensure the victory of Binani and the presidential candidate of APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Let me remind you of the good fortune that is awaiting your State in 2023 after returning the APC to power at the federal level and electing the party’s candidate as your incoming governor.
“You have been given the opportunity to set a record in the history of Nigeria and the annals of democracy and politics in our country by electing the first ever female chief executive of a state in Nigeria. You cannot afford that such a significant opportunity would slip through your fingers.
“I am, therefore, calling on all the men, women and youth of Adamawa State, the northeast and indeed the entire country, to support the candidature of Senator Aisha Binani and ensure her victory in March, 2023,’’ he said.
President Buhari urged the electorate to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as President and Vice President in the forthcoming elections, and candidates of the APC for Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly.
“I am delighted to be here today in Yola, Adamawa State, to be part of the campaign of our candidates for different offices in the country, starting from presidential, to gubernatorial, national and state assemblies. It is All Progressives Congress (APC) from top to bottom.
“APC for President! APC for Governor! APC for Senate! APC for House of Representatives! APC for Assembly Members!,’’ the President noted.
President Buhari said the APC had a vision of making Adamawa State more peaceful, progressive and prosperous.
“Your contributions in Adamawa State to our national development can be attested to by your output in agriculture, fishery, livestock, industry, manufacturing, commerce, mining, among others.
“Your achievements in the areas of education have made us proud and given us immense joy and satisfaction. Adamawa people are progressive in nature, and it is time to prove it once again.
“Our vision for Adamawa as a peaceful, progressive and prosperous state is strong and enduring. With your perseverance and determination, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will make Adamawa a model state in all areas of endeavour,’’ he stated.
The President urged youths in the state and country to pursue values that will bring honor to their families and the country, advising that Nigeria’s image could only be improved by the citizens.
“Let me now speak to the youths of our country, and Adamawa State particularly. I want you to know that you mean so much to us. Please remain loyal and patriotic citizens, learn from your elders and behave responsibly at all times.
“There can be no other place better than this country that promises so much to us and beckons us to greater prosperity.
“I want you to remain true to our ideals of decency, respect and accountability. You should bear your responsibilities seriously and acquit yourself well in all that you are called on to do.
“You should all come out and vote in the forthcoming elections, exercise your franchise responsibly and do not allow yourselves to be misled by vain sentiments and idle promises.
“Let me remind you and the entire people of Nigeria that the eyes of the world will be on you come February and March, 2023. Therefore do not give in to temptation and allow yourselves to be manipulated,’’ he added.
The President advised the youths to remain loyal to the APC by sensitizing on the gains of the party, and voting for its candidates at various levels.
“I wish specially to thank you for reposing your trust in me and giving me your support during the last two presidential elections.
“I want you to continue with this spirit and remain loyal to our party the APC. I want you to support our candidates at all levels in the state and federal elections. You can trust Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, our party’s flag-bearer and presidential candidate, together with his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.
“I want you to vote for them massively, retain the party in power at the centre, and also return Adamawa to the rank of the progressives.
“I want you to wholeheartedly embrace the message of “RENEWED HOPE” on which our candidates and party are campaigning,’’ the President said.
But in his reaction on his Facebook page, governor Fintiri accused the APC of refusing to conduct their rally at Ribadu but chose to conduct the activity on the fringes of the state capital because they don’t want to see the litany of projects he carried out in the state capital.