FINTIRI AURA
Written by: Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday
Throughout history, leaders have emerged to shape the fates of their society, nations, and the planet. On the bright side, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, Kwame Nkrumah, and Nelson Mandela all emanated an aura that allowed them to affect the world around them and change the course of history.
In Nigeria, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, has emerged as a contemporary leader with a compelling personality and revolutionary energy.
Being an adviser to Governor Fintiri may have influenced my opinion. However, remaining silent when the truth is obvious amounts to complicity in the lies levelled at the Governor.
Governor Fintiri emanates gravitas, a sense of seriousness that instills trust and respect. Fintiri’s choleric disposition makes it clear who is in command. He instills confidence and makes difficult tasks appear manageable before overcoming them.
Currently, as on past occasions, the PDP is heavily reliant on Fintiri’s gravitas to confront some of its existential concerns at its next national convention in August.
Fintiri also possesses gumption, which is the quality of being intelligent, cunning, and resourceful. His dealings with his Cabinet, the Legislature, the Judiciary, the Press, organised labour, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and others highlight his remarkable leadership talents. He pays regular visits to project sites and works with consultants and contractors to ensure that agreed-upon specifications and schedules are met. His choice of appointees indicates inclusivity and sensitivity to the state’s diversity.
Fintiri’s courage is clear. When he is convinced of a cause’s justification or usefulness to the growth of the people and the state, he drives it through with missionary zeal. One example is the recent establishment of new emirates and chiefdoms.
Governor Fintiri established seven new emirates and chiefdoms to popular acclaim, despite physical threats, religious attacks, media insults, and crude intellectual blackmail. The people are so pleased about this that one elder statesman proposed calling Adamawa State Fintiri State.
Governor Fintiri’s religiosity is not immediately apparent. Fintiri has a great, profound faith in God. He frequently asserts that God grants power, not political manoeuvring and tricks. His faith in God also accounts for his remarkable boldness and fearlessness.
Governor Fintiri’s vision is one of his most impressive leadership traits, in my opinion. His decisions and actions reveal a clear vision for the now and the future. He frequently claims that his administration’s efforts in road infrastructure, education, health, youth and women’s empowerment, sports, security, and so on are intended to establish the Adamawa of our dreams.
To be sure, Governor Fintiri is human and has flaws. However, since taking over leadership six years ago, Governor Fintiri has had a significant positive impact on Adamawa State’s social, economic, and political trajectory.
The now is his time!