A governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, on Monday unveiled a policy thrust anchored on unity, inclusive growth, and poverty reduction. Girei spoke in Abuja shortly after submitting his nomination form, declaring that the state's diversity should be harnessed for development rather than division.
Addressing Poverty and Harnessing Resources
He lamented that despite abundant human and natural resources, poverty remains pervasive, insisting that deliberate policies were required to reverse the trend. "My vision for Adamawa State is centred on unity and prosperity," he said.
Education as a Priority
Girei pledged to prioritise free, quality education for all children, irrespective of background, describing education as the bedrock of long-term development. The aspirant noted that youths constitute about 60 per cent of the population, stressing the need to equip them with practical skills to drive self-reliance amid shrinking public sector opportunities.
Empowerment for Women and Healthcare Access
He added that women would be empowered through education and targeted skills programmes to boost household incomes and community resilience. On healthcare, Girei promised improved access to free services, particularly for women and children in rural communities, where vulnerability remains high.
Agricultural Transformation
He also identified agriculture as a critical sector, noting that although the state is largely agrarian, productivity has remained low, with farmers earning less while intermediaries benefit disproportionately. According to him, correcting the imbalance across the agricultural value chain would be central to his administration's strategy.
Personal Background and Commitment
Girei drew on his personal background to underscore his commitment to tackling poverty, recounting periods of hardship during his university days. "I understand poverty personally. I come from a humble background," he said, adding that his experiences shaped his resolve to pursue people-focused policies.
Political Climate and Electoral Confidence
On the political climate, the aspirant expressed confidence in a level playing field, describing the Adamawa governorship race as open. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his democratic credentials and expressed optimism that the electoral process would be credible. Girei further said reforms in the Electoral Act would ensure transparency, adding that the eventual candidate would emerge through a fair and competitive process within the party.
