Fintiri warns politicians against defacing public infrastructure with election posters

Ahead of the 2027 elections, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has warned politicians in the state, regardless of political parties, against turning government buildings and other public infrastructure in the state into their election committees, stressing that any candidate or person found in violation of this directive will be prosecuted in line with the state’s environmental laws.

Speaking at a press conference in Yola on Thursday evening, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi wonosikou, denied any political overtones in the state government’s decision to drag the ADC gubernatorial candidate to court for placing election posters on public structures.

He noted that there will be no party or sacred cow consideration in the enforcement of environmental laws in the state.

According to him, public facilities such as flyovers, bridges, public buildings, street lights, roads and other public facilities were built with public funds to improve the quality of life of citizens, therefore they are not electoral boards of political parties and aspiring individuals.

“The government’s position is neither new nor selective. The law prohibiting the defacement of public property has always existed and applies equally to everyone, regardless of political party or social position. It is never about politics but about responsibility,” he said.

He said no responsible government can spend billions of naira to beautify cities, build modern flyovers, improve road corridors and restore public infrastructure only to see those same structures become canvases for an indiscriminate poster campaign.

According to him, urban renewal is not only measured by the construction of roads and bridges. it is supported by discipline, civil responsibility and respect for public goods.

“Every poster illegally pasted on government infrastructure diminishes the collective investment of the people of Adamawa State,” he said.

Humwashi further assured that the administration remains committed to protecting every public asset built with taxpayers’ money and will continue to uphold the law firmly, fairly and without exception, saying that Adamawa belongs to everyone, so the beauty of cities and the integrity of public infrastructure and the rule of law must never become victims of political ambition.

The Governor also advised political parties and their candidates to use legal and responsible avenues for public engagement such as billboards, flexible banners, designated advertising spaces, newspapers, radio, television, digital media, town hall meetings and other legitimate platforms for their campaigns.