After eight hours of screening of aspirants for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the Adamawa governorship election, the screening committee led by former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu yesterday dashed the hope of Acting Governor Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, barring him from participating in the governorship primary slated for next Saturday.

The governorship bye-election holds on October 11.

Fintiri was the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly that impeached the erstwhile governor, Murtala Nyako.

Mantu told newsmen that his Committee premised its decision to disqualify Fintiri on the Nigerian Constitution which forbids him from participating in the contest, because he was expected by his position as the Acting Governor to midwife the process that would lead to the emergence of a new governor and not being a participant.

Mantu further declared that Section 119, subsection 2 of the Nigerian Constitution expects the Acting Governor to be in office for a maximum of 90 days, supervise the conduct of the election, and not to be a participant.

Section 191 (1) of the Constitution reads:

“The Deputy Governor of a State shall hold the office of Governor of the State, if the office of Governor becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal of the governor from office for any other reason in accordance with section 188 or 189 of this constitution.

“(2) Where any vacancy occurs in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) of this section during a period when the office of Deputy Governor of the State is also vacant, the Speaker of the House of Assembly of the State shall hold the office of Governor of the State for a period of not more than three months, during which there shall be an election of a new Governor of the State who shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the last holder of the office.

“(3) Where the office of the Deputy Governor becomes vacant -

(a) by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal in accordance with section 188 or 189 of this Constitution.”

Among the 13 candidates cleared are Nuhu Ribadu, Mohammed Moddibo, Mohammed Buba Marwa, Jerry Kumdisi, Andrawus Sawa, Aliyu Kama, Ardo Umar, Abubakar Girei, Awwal Tukur, Ahmed Gulak and Idi Hong.

Issues considered by the screening panel were party loyalty, financial commitment to the party, tax issues and many more.

Ribadu, a former EFCC chairman who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed satisfaction with the process, saying:

“I am in this race for Nigeria and for Adamawa people. I am confident that the best will come out of it for Adamawa State and the people.

“The process went on well. I’m okay with everything that took place. I pray to God that for the good of the country, for the good of the people of Adamawa, what is going on today is probably a turning point and change that is coming in Nigeria and Adamawa State.

“My expectation is positive and fantastic. It is all about the country, it is all about the people of Adamawa. I am happy.”

Also speaking after the screening exercise, Awwal Tukur cautioned against a do-or-die attitude to the contest.

He further admonished all the aspirants to be guided by the spirit of good sportsmanship, so that peace and unity would be achieved in the state.

•Adapted from a Sunday Sun report. Photo shows Adamawa State Acting Governor Ahmadu Umar Fintiri.

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