Adamawa Flooding: Fintiri Tackles Atiku Over “Insensitive” Comments
The Governor of Adamawa State, Dr. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has expressed strong disapproval over recent comments allegedly made by former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, blaming his administration for the devastating Sunday morning downpour that affected several communities in Yola South Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, Fintiri reacted to Atiku’s remarks, which reportedly accused the state government of negligence in responding to the flooding crisis.
Wonosikou described Atiku’s comments as not only “unwarranted and politically charged”, but also as a direct affront to the people of Adamawa who expect empathy—not criticism—during times of distress.
“This isn’t just an attack on Governor Fintiri,” Wonosikou stated, “but a slap in the face to the people of Adamawa who hold Atiku in high regard and had hoped for words of condolence and solidarity—not condemnation.”
He further criticized the former vice president’s tone, suggesting that such a divisive stance was unbecoming of an elder statesman.
“Alhaji Atiku’s reaction is deeply disappointing,” Wonosikou said. “By rushing to assign blame, he has chosen to politicize a natural disaster instead of offering support as expected from a leader of his stature.”
According to the statement, Atiku allegedly claimed he was “very angry” with Governor Fintiri and accused him of neglecting his people—an accusation the government firmly rejected as baseless and insensitive.
“This is a defining moment,” Wonosikou continued. “When the flood hit, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, was immediately on the ground alongside emergency response agencies, including the military and marine police. Relief materials were distributed without delay. In contrast to Atiku’s claims, the government responded promptly and efficiently.”
He also pointed out the hypocrisy in Atiku’s response, comparing it to the former vice president’s supportive stance during a similar flood incident in Maiduguri, Borno State, just months ago.
“We expected the same gesture of sympathy from him, especially considering his ties to Adamawa. Unfortunately, he chose politics over empathy.”
The state government reiterated its commitment to tackling flooding through long-term infrastructure investments, including storm drains and improved waterways. It called on the public to disregard misinformation and instead focus on the facts.
“We’ve made massive investments in flood prevention infrastructure and emergency response,” the statement read. “Our swift mobilization of resources is proof that we take the welfare of our people seriously.”
The statement a call for unity, urging political leaders to avoid “turning tragedy into a platform for political grandstanding”.