Adamawa Guber: Fintiri Not Eligible to Contest -Gulak

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, Politics Monday, August 25th, 2014

Agabus Pwanagba, Jos

Less than two months to the October11, Adamawa State governorship bye-election the Peoples Democratic Party aspirants in the State are looking for ways to out smart one another, this is coming on the heels of cries from different interest groups and personalities within the party over the planed imposition of the party’s flag bearer in the forthcoming election and has decried the inclusion of the Acting Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, in the race.

Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulak

The immediate past Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters and a gubernatorial aspirant, Barrister Ahmed Gulak, said the Acting Governor of the state lacks constitution power to vie for the number one seat in the State.

Gulak who told newsmen in an interview in Yola on Monday, said the nation’s constitution is clear on whether or not he should participate.

He said, “First and foremost, Fintiri should know he is the Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly. By the virtue of that post, he became the Acting Governor because there is no Governor and Deputy.

Adding that, the Deputy Speaker is now the Acting Speaker, so the Acting Governor’s position as speaker has been reserved for him by the constitution.

“This means that he should midwife this election that should take place within 90days. After successfully midwifing the election and handing over, he should reverse back as speaker and the Acting Speaker returns to his position as Deputy Speaker.

“The Constitution is clear. He is not supposed to contest this bye-election. Because apart from the letters of the constitution by implication, he is suppose not to participate as he has no moral right.

The former Presidential aide warned Fintiri against manipulating the nation’s constitution, saying that it would potent danger for the nation’s nascent democracy.

“If it happens like this, then members of the State House of Assembly will just sit down and impeach the Governor and his Deputy, and that is not the intention of the framer of this constitution. He stressed.

Gulak advised the Acting Governor to resign as member of the House of Assembly to be eligible to contest.