A THREAT TO MY LIFE: Adamawa NUJ Chairman Accuses PDP Youth Leader of Public Intimidation

By Emmanuel Kwada

Ishaka Donald Dedan, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Adamawa State Chapter, has raised an alarm over a life-threatening incident that occurred during the Bwatiye International Cultural Fiesta on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola.

The alleged perpetrator, Hamidu Muktari, popularly known as Dogo and self-styled Director of Youth Mobilization for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, is accused of publicly threatening Dedan in the presence of dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

According to Dedan, the incident unfolded while he served as one of the official Masters of Ceremony at the event, where he had the privilege of ushering in Governor Fintiri.

He vowed to ‘deal with me’ once the Governor left the stage and claimed he would show me who he truly is

As the Governor delivered his address, Dedan noticed aggressive ranting nearby. Upon turning to request the individual to lower their voice out of respect for the ongoing speech, he was stunned to identify Muktari as the source of the disturbance.

“To my shock and that of many distinguished guests, Hamidu Muktari was pointing at me, making unprintable and defamatory statements,” Dedan recounted. “He vowed to ‘deal with me’ once the Governor left the stage and claimed he would show me who he truly is.”

The outburst caught the attention of the Governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) and protocol team members, who promptly intervened to restore order.

The incident occurred in full view of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and several journalists, including members of the Governor’s press crew, who can corroborate Dedan’s account.

I wish to place it on record that if anything happens to me or any member of my family, Hamidu Muktari, aka Dogo, should be held fully responsible

Dedan has formally reported the incident to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Adamawa State.

In a strongly worded statement, he declared, “I wish to place it on record that if anything happens to me or any member of my family, Hamidu Muktari, aka Dogo, should be held fully responsible.”

The NUJ Chairman further noted that this is not an isolated incident, alleging that Muktari has a history of harassing and assaulting journalists in Adamawa State with impunity.

Dedan called on the authorities to take decisive action to curb Muktari’s actions, which he described as a threat to public safety and press freedom.

As of press time, neither Muktari nor the PDP leadership in Adamawa State had issued a public response to the allegations. The police and DSS have yet to comment on the status of Dedan’s complaint.

The incident has sparked concern among journalists and civil society groups in Adamawa, who are demanding urgent action to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of media practitioners in the state.