Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng
By Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday
Throughout history, leaders have emerged that shaped destinies of their societies, nations and the world. On the positive side, the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jnr, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi, Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela all exuded the kind of aura that enabled them to influence the world around them and altered the course of history.
In Nigeria, one contemporary leader that has emerged with his compelling presence and transformative energy is His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Governor of Adamawa State.
Being an aide of Governor Fintiri may be construed as having influenced my opinion. However, to remain silent in a situation where the truth is clear is to be complicit in the lies that are occasionally spewed in the direction of the Governor.
Without any shadow of doubt, Governor Fintiri has gravitas; that quality of seriousness that inspires trust and respect. With a decidedly choleric temperament, Fintiri does not leave you in doubt as to who is in charge. He builds confidence and makes challenges seem surmountable, then surmounts them.
Currently, as on a few previous occasions, the PDP is substantially relying on the Fintiri gravitas to be able to address some of its existential crises at its forthcoming national convention in August.
Fintiri also has gumption, that is the character of being smart, shrewd and resourceful. The way he relates with his Cabinet, the Legislature, the Judiciary, the Press, the Organized Labour, Security agencies, Traditional rulers, Religious leaders and so on, reveal the character of a leader that is on top of his game. He regularly visits project sites and engages both Consultants and Contractors to ensure adherence to agreed specifications and timelines. His choice of appointees demonstrates inclusivity and sensitivity to the diversity of the state.
What is readily evident with Fintiri is his courage. Once he is convinced of the justness of a cause or its benefit to the development of the people and the state, he boldly pushes it through with missionary zeal. One example is the recent creation of new emirates and chiefdoms.
Against a backdrop of physical threats, religious attacks, media insults and coarse intellectual blackmail, Governor Fintiri created 7 new emirates and chiefdoms to widespread acclaim. So excited are the people about this that one elder statesman suggested renaming Adamawa State as Fintiri State.
What is not readily perceived about Governor Fintiri is his religiosity. Fintiri has a strong and deep faith in God. He often says that God is the giver of power, not the scheming and shenanigans of politicians. His faith in God is also responsible for his great courage and fearlessness.
For me, one of Governor Fintiri’s greatest qualities as a leader is his vision. His decisions and actions demonstrate clarity of vision both for the present but also for the future. He often asserts that his administration’s investments in road infrastructure, education, health, youth and women empowerment, sports, security and so on aim to build the future Adamawa of our dreams.
To be sure, Governor Fintiri is human and has his weaknesses. However, since assuming the reigns of leadership 6 years ago, Governor Fintiri has positively and fundamentally impacted the social, economic and political trajectory of Adamawa State.
This is his time!
