- Adamawa governor bans aides from state-funded travel to cut governance costs
Determined to reduce the cost of governance, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has banned all political aides from taking trips outside the state unless the expenses are not covered by the state government.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humawashi Wounosikou, confirmed this decision in an exclusive interview on Friday in Yola. He explained that the ban was a proactive measure taken by the governor following the removal of the fuel subsidy to safeguard the state’s finances.
Wounosikou highlighted the governor’s prudence, noting that Fintiri’s careful management of resources has enabled the completion of numerous projects across the state’s three senatorial districts. He emphasized that the governor travels alone on official assignments abroad, without the usual entourage, including his ADC.
“Who else in this country can do that?” Wounosikou queried rhetorically.
While the governor is praised for his frugality, it is noted that he recently appointed 25 commissioners, 57 heads of boards and commissions, and 182 special assistants.
In a separate interview, financial consultant Mr. Terkimbi Tyona criticized governors for inflating the cost of governance at the expense of the people. Tyona, the CEO of Apex Consultancy in Yola, pointed out the growing number of political appointees as a factor contributing to high governance costs.