By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyalist, Ibrahim Saidu, has described as imposition, the naming of an 85-year old man as chairman of Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Saidu.who says he is a PDP member and an ardent supporter, accused Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of forcing Pastor Andarawus Gazama on the people of Madagali.
Saidu who described himself as a youth, opposed the pastor’s appointment and observed that Rt. Hon Fintiri would not have made it to the Government House Yola, if 85-year-olds were being considered for the gubernatorial seat.
“We have several qualified youth who are aspiring for the chairmanship but are neglected. I don’t think it is good for our democracy and I don’t think the old man’s leadership is a good omen for our people,” Saidu said.
The PDP man wondered if the 85-year-old Gazama would achieve much and work for the generality of the people of Madagali.
“He will only succeed in working for himself and his immediate and extended family,” he said.
Saidu who is from Gulak Ward said that Governor Fintiri is not being fair to the people of Madagali, especially the youth.
“Pastor Gazama hails from Palam Ward and the last chairman of Madagali is also from that area and Fintiri did not think it wise to consider a younger man from another area to be supported for the next chairman. Nobody in Madagali is happy about it.
“Many youth are leaving the party. Nobody that is up to 40 years in Madagali, the Governor’s native local government, can comfortably tell you that is happy with the administration of Fintiri. “It’s a huge challenge to the youth. The joy of the whole thing is that PDP is a party, not a religion; the youth will mobilise and leave the party for him and the old people he thinks can work for him,” Ibrahim lamented.
Director-General, Media, and Communication to the Governor, Solomon Kumangar outrightly denied the allegations that Andarawus is 85 years old.
Solomon refuted the submission of Saidu that Governor Fintiri is trying to impose Gazama in the forthcoming local government elections.
He said Fintiri is a thorough breed democrat who provides a level playing field for all aspirants and the people prefer Pastor Gazama.
According to him, Andarawus is a people’s choice not that of the governor, who has been a politician for many decades and the people find him more capable of serving them after retiring from his pastoral work with the EYN Church.
