Fintiri to Tinubu: Your bold federalism has empowered states to deliver democracy dividends

The President commissioned the Yola Model School, the eight-lane expanded Galadima Aminu Way with overhead bridge, underpass and roundabout, the dualised Gimba Road, the remodelled State High Court complex, and the newly constructed automated gate and office complex at the Government House.

Tinubu said the road project would ease mobility, stimulate commerce, enhance safety, unlock new opportunities and attract private investment.

“The eight-lane road and underpass we just commissioned today will not only improve traffic flow within the metropolis, but also unlock the new economic opportunities and enhance safety and attract private investments,” he said.

The President also commended the governor for fiscal discipline, saying he was glad Fintiri did not indicate inability to pay workers’ salaries or the need to borrow to meet wage obligations.

“I’m glad when you were enumerating the costs of these projects, you didn’t say you have failed to pay or borrow to pay the salaries of your workers,” he said, adding that the Federal Government would record more macroeconomic successes.

Tinubu said the Federal Government was investing heavily in agriculture and human capital development, stressing that Nigerians must be able to feed themselves and the country.

He urged governors and citizens to sustain cooperation, saying the solidarity between the Federal Government and sub-nationals was “extremely encouraging.”

“This is the only profitable investment in democracy. The reward of this investment is for people to be included, for us to eliminate every ramification of poverty in our society,” Tinubu said.

The President also singled out the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, describing him as “honest, bold, courageous and committed,” while assuring that banditry and terrorism would be defeated.

“National Security Adviser, the son of the soil, Nuhudeen Ribadu… you’re doing an excellent job, and we are seeing the result. With you, we will defeat the bandits and terrorists,” he said.

Tinubu thanked traditional and religious leaders for promoting peace and harmony, acknowledging that it was not easy to endure macroeconomic changes and the dynamics of politics.

He commended the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr Aliyu Mustapha, for leadership and commitment, and also acknowledged the presence of former governor, Murtala Nyako, describing him as a friend and traditional title holder.

The President equally praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts against insurgency and banditry, expressing confidence that Nigeria would prevail.

“Together, we will win,” he said, adding: “Adamawa will continue to flourish.”

In his remarks, Fintiri said Adamawa invited Tinubu not only for project commissioning but also to appreciate him for what he is doing for Nigeria, particularly his courage in taking macroeconomic risks amid what he called “the rantings of adversaries and political antagonists.”

The governor listed the costs of the commissioned projects: the model school, N24.8 billion; the road projects, N15.6 billion; the remodelled State High Court Complex A and B, N5.5 billion; and the Government House gate and office complex, N6.3 billion.

He said other ongoing projects included a shopping mall at 80 per cent completion, AA Lawan Flyover, Mubi Flyover, an International Conference Centre and an International Stadium.

Fintiri said the state was employing 5,000 teachers to power the schools and building three new boarding mega science and technical schools across the three senatorial districts, while also investing in small towns water schemes to subdue water scarcity.

He disclosed that Tinubu would formally break ground for a new NYSC permanent orientation camp named after him, estimated to cost N7.5 billion.

The governor said the camp would be constructed by the Adamawa State government as a symbol of gratitude to the President and the federation.

Fintiri also said the state had embarked on projects previously seen as the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government, including federal roads and bridges such as the 13-span bridge at Shuwa, four-span bridge at Himbla, three-span bridge at Wurungandi, culvert works along the Mararaba-Mubi-Michika-Maiduguri Road, and embankment repairs at Gamu Bridge along the Ganye-Tongo federal highway.

He said the government constructed and furnished four hostel buildings for law school students at the Nigerian Law School campus in Yola, and renovated facilities at the military formation in Mubi after Tinubu’s approval for its re-establishment, including barracks quarters, drainages and culvert cells.

Declaring that nation-building was a collective task, Fintiri said Adamawa desired a stronger partnership with the Federal Government to deliver shared prosperity, security and inclusive growth.

He described Tinubu as “Nigeria’s best tailor,” urging him not to waver or falter but to continue taking tough decisions in the national interest.

Dignitaries at the event included Governors Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Prof Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).

Also present were the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Masha; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari; former Borno governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; and members of the National Assembly.

Leading the traditional rulers was the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Mohammad Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha.