Governorship hopeful, Dr. Bakari promises free education, healthcare, improved security
Dr Salihu Bakari Girei has pledged to run an inclusive administration that reflects the diversity of Adamawa state, as he intensified consultations ahead of the governorship race.
Speaking during a visit to the LCCN Cathedral, Bakari told congregants that his ambition is rooted in unity, equity and continuity of development. He stressed that his government, if elected, would accommodate all faiths and ethnic groups without discrimination.
“I promise if given the mandate of governing the state, I will carry everybody along irrespective of religion or ethnic background,” he said. “I will run an inclusive government where everyone will have a stake, no matter how highly or lowly placed.”
Bakari also used the visit to outline key policy priorities, including free education from primary to tertiary level. He said access to education would be treated as a right rather than a privilege, adding that his administration would invest heavily in infrastructure, staffing and learning materials across schools.
On healthcare, the governorship hopeful promised free services for mothers and children, arguing that reducing mortality rates must remain a top priority. He said strengthening primary healthcare centres and expanding access to essential services would form a cornerstone of his agenda.
Security, he added, would receive urgent attention, with a commitment to ensuring that “all streets are safe” through improved coordination between security agencies and community-based initiatives.
Bakari further assured the congregation that his administration would build on the legacy of the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, particularly in infrastructure and social development. He said continuity, rather than disruption, would guarantee sustained progress in the state.
The visit drew a positive response from members of the congregation, many of whom described Bakari as a credible and dependable leader. Several attendees said they believed he possesses the integrity and experience required to advance the state’s development.
“He is someone we trust,” one congregant said after the service. “He has shown that he understands the needs of the people and has the capacity to deliver.”
Others noted that his emphasis on inclusivity and social welfare resonates with the aspirations of many residents, particularly in a state marked by religious and ethnic diversity.
Bakari’s outreach to faith-based communities is seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate support across different segments of society as the political landscape ahead of the election continues to take shape.