Victor Kwambuge, PhD
In less than 24 months, the good people of Adamawa State will once again head to the polls to elect a new steward to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years. This new leader will face a daunting task, as he will be succeeding an excellent performer—His Excellency, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri—who, in the last six years, has ticked all the boxes that define real development.
On multiple occasions, Governor Fintiri has made his stance clear: “My successor must be a grassroots politician.” This simple yet weighty statement has left many political pundits speculating, with some going as far as identifying individuals they believe fit the description. However, whether these predictions are accurate remains to be seen.
Regardless, there is a consensus that the next governor must have an excellent track record of performance and the capacity to build on the solid legacies of the current administration. The truth is, the bar of governance in Adamawa has been raised, and anyone who attempts to lower it will face stiff resistance from all quarters.
To demystify the concept of a grassroots politician, as postulated by Governor Fintiri, we must assess potential candidates based on capacity, character, and competence. The ideal leader must exude dexterity, agility, and adeptness. From the riverine Numan Federation to the swampy plains of Fufore, the sunny valleys of Fombina, the rugged hills of Pakka, and the historic paths of Sukur Kingdom, the next leader must embody the collective aspirations of the people.
The next Governor must possess a deep understanding of development economics to craft sustainable solutions to Adamawa’s fiscal and revenue challenges. He or she must have the intellectual stamina to analyze economic data and indices and how they impact the average citizen. The leader must be in touch with rural farmers to design policies that enhance agricultural productivity. Likewise, a keen understanding of the struggles of traders in remote communities is necessary to empower small and medium-scale enterprises, thereby boosting the state’s economy.
Moreover, Adamawa’s next leader must comprehend the complexities of climate change and global efforts to mitigate its effects. He or she must have a firm grasp of evolving trends in ICT and how young people in the state can leverage technology for empowerment and development.
As a people, we must align with Governor Fintiri’s vision by choosing a grassroots leader who sees our diversity as a strength rather than a divide to exploit. We need a leader whose philosophy is rooted in service delivery, not personal gain—someone who understands the struggles of the common man, has experienced firsthand the absence of basic amenities, and possesses the will and capacity to lift the people out of poverty.
Adamawa must choose wisely.
God bless Adamawa State.
Victor Kwambuge, PhD
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