Gov. Fintiri gives political appointees who defect to other parties 48 hours to resign

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has directed all political appointees in his administration who have declared allegiance to political parties other than the ruling party in the state to resign within 48 hours or face immediate dismissal.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.

According to the statement, affected appointees are required to submit their resignation letters to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government within the stipulated period.

Governor Fintiri said the decision was necessary to safeguard loyalty, discipline and effective governance within the administration.

“This directive has become necessary to preserve government loyalty, discipline, and the integrity of public service,” the governor stated.

He stressed that political office holders are expected to remain committed to the policies, programmes and political direction of the administration, warning that those who have publicly aligned themselves with other political parties cannot continue to serve in government.

According to him, retaining such officials in government positions could undermine the administration’s objectives and compromise its political strategy.

“Continued service by persons who have aligned with another party poses a clear risk of sabotage, information leakage, and obstruction of policy implementation and party strategy,” he said.

The governor further directed the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Office of the Head of Service to compile and verify a list of all affected appointees to ensure full compliance with the directive.

He warned that any political appointee who fails to comply within the 48-hour deadline would face immediate sanctions, including termination of appointment and withdrawal of all official benefits.

“Failure to comply with this directive within the stipulated timeframe shall result in immediate termination of appointment, cessation of all salaries, entitlements and benefits, and further administrative action,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Fintiri maintained that public officials entrusted with government responsibilities must demonstrate undivided loyalty to the administration and its objectives.

“Government cannot condone divided loyalty in the discharge of public trust,” he added.

The directive comes amid growing political realignments and defections across the country ahead of the next electoral cycle.