From Joseph Asegba, Yola
The Adamawa State Government has dismissed claims circulating on social media that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has removed all District Heads and titleholders in the state.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikau, the government clarified that the directive only affects District Heads who previously held traditional titles from their former councils. They are required to relinquish those titles and pledge loyalty to their new Chiefs and Emirs.
“With the creation of new Chiefdoms and Emirates, District Heads with titles from their former councils are expected to seek titles that align with their cultural traditions and heritage from the rightful custodians of their culture,” the statement read.
Governor Fintiri emphasized that the policy aims to foster unity and harmony among traditional institutions. He condemned the spread of misinformation, particularly through artificial intelligence, accusing some individuals of distorting the government’s directive.
“As a policy, I call on all affected District Heads to transfer their loyalty, rights, and privileges to the new Emirates and Chiefdoms. Traditional titles acquired from former Emirates and Chiefdoms are to be relinquished,” he stated.
The Governor further instructed that traditional councils of the new Emirates and Chiefdoms recommend new titles for approval, ensuring alignment with the state’s cultural heritage and statutory regulations.