Girei Declares for Adamawa Governorship, Promises 100% Pension Increase

Girei Declares for Adamawa Governorship, Promises 100% Pension Increase

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, promising to review the monthly pension of retirees in the state by 100 percent if elected.

Dr. Girei, who expressed optimism about securing his party’s ticket at the forthcoming primaries, said his decision to join the race was informed by his decades of experience in public service and his desire to reposition Adamawa for sustainable growth.

Speaking at the formal declaration, Girei said he had served the state for 32 years in public service, rising through the ranks to become a lecturer and later occupying several strategic positions in government.

He noted that he served as Director-General of Special Projects and Programmes, Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), where he said over 5,000 primary schools were built and more than 400 teachers employed across the state.

The governorship hopeful also recalled his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government, where he said he introduced reforms and policies that strengthened local councils and improved service delivery at the grassroots.

“Based on these experiences and my commitment to the development of Adamawa State, I have decided to contest the governorship seat. The state stands to benefit greatly if given the opportunity to serve,” he stated.

Dr. Girei unveiled a 10-point agenda, which he said would focus on free primary education, strengthening tertiary institutions, and transforming secondary schools across the state.

He said his administration would prioritize rural development and healthcare delivery, while also creating employment opportunities and skill acquisition programmes for young people.

According to him, women empowerment would also receive special attention, stressing that empowering women would lead to stronger families and communities.

On agriculture, Girei pledged to boost food production through the provision of farm inputs, improved storage facilities, and value addition for farmers.

He said his administration would also encourage a shift from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation farming by harnessing the state’s dams and rivers for all-year farming.

The aspirant further promised to utilize the state’s abundant sunshine by establishing solar farms to provide stable electricity supply to communities across Adamawa State.

Addressing the plight of pensioners, Girei said his administration would tackle what he described as the injustice suffered by retirees.

“We will review monthly pensions by 100 percent and introduce a safety net for civil servants so that after retirement, pensioners will not have to suffer,” he said.

On security, he pledged to restore hope among citizens by promoting accountable leadership and strengthening community policing through neighborhood-based security structures.

He said knowing one’s neighbour and encouraging community participation would help in addressing security challenges in the state.

Director-General of the Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei Campaign Organisation, Phanuel Mosu, expressed confidence in the aspirant’s leadership qualities, describing him as the solution to the challenges facing Adamawa State.

Mosu thanked supporters for their commitment and urged party delegates and residents to rally behind Girei’s ambition to move the state forward.