Adamawa govt hits Ardo over remarks, links criticism to “cerebral amnesia” after 2023 loss
The Adamawa state commissioner for information and strategy, James Iliya, has launched a fierce criticism of opposition figure Umar Ardo, accusing him of what he described as “cerebral amnesia” in the wake of his defeat in the 2023 general election.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Iliya dismissed Ardo’s recent remarks on the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as misleading and politically motivated. He argued that the comments were driven more by frustration than by an objective assessment of developments in the state.
Iliya said Ardo had failed to acknowledge what he described as measurable progress recorded under the Fintiri administration, particularly in frontline local government areas affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
According to the commissioner, significant investments have been made in rebuilding communities across Michika, Mubi and Madagali, with renewed focus on roads, schools, healthcare facilities and other critical infrastructure.
“Despite the development recorded in frontline local governments ravaged by Boko Haram, Umar Ardo has turned a blind eye and chosen to attack the governor as a way of consoling himself over the defeat he suffered in 2023,” the statement said.
He challenged the basis of Ardo’s claim that victims of insurgency had been abandoned, insisting that such assertions did not reflect the situation on the ground.
“Nobody from Michika to Mubi or Madagali has cried out to Ardo over abandonment. How then did he arrive at the conclusion that Boko Haram victims were neglected by the Fintiri led administration?” Iliya asked.
The commissioner further described Ardo’s position as selective, accusing him of ignoring ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts in affected communities.
He also pointed to the role of the North East Development Commission, noting that it operates as a federal agency and remains central to rebuilding efforts in the region. He added that post insurgency recovery involves coordination between different levels of government, not the state alone.
The statement comes amid renewed exchanges between the Adamawa state government and opposition figures, reflecting lingering political tensions following the 2023 election.
Observers say the rhetoric underscores deep divisions within the state’s political space, as key actors begin to position themselves ahead of future contests.
Despite the sharp criticism, Iliya called for a shift in tone, urging political stakeholders to focus on constructive engagement rather than divisive narratives.
“The people of Adamawa deserve issue based discourse, not recycled grievances rooted in electoral defeat,” he said.