A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, has pledged to put the welfare of ordinary people at the centre of his administration if elected.
Girei made this known on Friday in Yola during a press briefing where he formally declared his intention to contest, saying his personal experiences with hardship have shaped his approach to leadership and public service.
He recalled going through difficult moments as a student, including a time he survived for 48 hours without food because his father, a retired civil servant, had not yet received his benefits. He also spoke about living with very few clothes for years, noting that those struggles gave him a deeper understanding of what many Nigerians face daily.
According to him, these experiences are the driving force behind his desire to serve and improve the lives of others.
Girei assured that, if given the opportunity, his government would focus on the welfare of retirees, senior citizens, and young people across the state.
An educationist by profession, he said the sector would receive top priority under his leadership. He highlighted his past roles as Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board and later as a director at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, noting that his experience would guide his policies.
At the event, he also unveiled what he described as a “10-point covenant document,” which he said goes beyond a typical campaign manifesto and reflects practical commitments he intends to uphold in office.
On agriculture, Girei pointed to his background as a commercial farmer, saying it gives him firsthand knowledge of the challenges farmers face. He promised to introduce policies aimed at strengthening the sector and improving productivity.
Overall, he said his ambition is driven by a commitment to service, with a focus on addressing real-life challenges and delivering meaningful impact to the people of Adamawa State.
