Fintiri Gives Defecting Appointees 48 Hours to Resign or Lose Benefits

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has ordered all political appointees serving in his administration who have publicly defected to, or declared allegiance to, other political parties to resign immediately or face dismissal.

The directive was conveyed in an official statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, who said the decision was necessary to safeguard loyalty, discipline and the integrity of government operations.

According to the statement, political office holders are expected to remain committed to the policies, programmes and political direction of the administration under which they serve.

The government argued that retaining appointees who have openly aligned themselves with rival political platforms creates a conflict of interest that could undermine governance.

Governor Fintiri warned that divided political loyalties among government officials pose serious risks, including policy sabotage, leakage of sensitive information and obstruction of the administration’s objectives.

“The continued service of persons who have aligned with another political party presents a clear risk to the effective implementation of government policies and programmes,” the statement noted.

To ensure compliance, all affected appointees have been directed to submit their resignation letters to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government within 48 hours.

The governor also directed the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Office of the Head of Service to immediately begin compiling and verifying a comprehensive list of political appointees affected by the directive.

The exercise, according to the government, is intended to monitor compliance and ensure that all individuals who have publicly defected are identified.

Fintiri further warned that any appointee who fails to comply within the stipulated timeframe will face immediate removal from office.

Such officials, the statement added, would also lose access to salaries, allowances, entitlements and other benefits attached to their appointments.

“Failure to comply with this directive within the stipulated period shall result in immediate termination of appointment, cessation of all salaries, entitlements and benefits as well as further administrative action,” the government stated.

Reaffirming his administration’s position, Governor Fintiri stressed that public office is a trust that must be exercised in alignment with the mandate given to the government by the electorate.

“This is a clear message that public office is held in trust and must align with the vision, agenda and mandate of the administration. Government cannot condone divided loyalty in the discharge of public trust,” the governor stated.

The directive comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of future electoral contests, with several politicians and public office holders across the country reportedly weighing their political options as parties intensify preparations for upcoming elections.

Political observers say the move signals the governor’s determination to maintain cohesion within his administration and prevent internal divisions from affecting governance and policy execution.