By Emmanuel Kwada
The people of Yola North, Yola South, and Girei Federal Constituency in Adamawa State are rallying behind Salisu Mohammed, popularly known as Abba Girei, urging him to stage a political comeback and reclaim his seat in the National Assembly.
The call comes after what locals describe as a “stolen mandate” following a controversial court ruling in October 2023 that ousted Girei in favor of Hon. Abubakar Babazango of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The few months you spent in the Green Chamber felt like eight years. We felt your impact, and we need more of it
The fervor for Girei’s return was palpable during a recent visit by Chief Dr. Maurice Vunobolki, a prominent business tycoon, philanthropist, and prospective gubernatorial candidate, to flood-ravaged communities in Yola South Local Government Area.
Youths in the area mobbed Girei, chanting at the top of their voices and pleading for him to run again. “On again! On again!” they shouted, lauding the impact of his brief tenure in the House of Representatives.
“The few months you spent in the Green Chamber felt like eight years. We felt your impact, and we need more of it,” the youths declared, according to a report by TGNews. One of the youths, Aliyu Babangida Adamu, spoke passionately about Girei’s ousting, insisting that his mandate was unjustly taken by the opposition.
Since Abba was illegally removed, our representation has been empty, with nothing to show for it
“Since Abba was illegally removed, our representation has been empty, with nothing to show for it,” Aliyu told TGNews. He added that the people of the constituency are mobilizing to support Girei in reclaiming his seat, framing his potential candidacy as a “rescue mission” for the region.
Girei’s supporters highlighted his track record during his short stint in the National Assembly, describing it as transformative. They pointed to his accessibility, commitment to community development, and alignment with influential figures like Chief Dr. Maurice Vunobolki as evidence of his leadership qualities.
“Abba Girei is the right-hand man to Chief Dr. Vunobolki, a born philanthropist and hopeful gubernatorial candidate for Adamawa’s number one seat. You can tell from his circle of great men that Abba is a leader with a heart of gold who cares for his people,” said Aunty Jummai, a fervent supporter. “We love him, and we want him back.”
The groundswell of support for Girei comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the current representation in the constituency. Critics, including the Jimeta Frontiers Movement (JFM), have accused Hon. Abubakar Babazango of prioritizing personal business interests over the needs of his constituents, labeling his tenure as a “total failure.”
Abba Girei is the right-hand man to Chief Dr. Vunobolki, a born philanthropist and hopeful gubernatorial candidate for Adamawa’s number one seat. You can tell from his circle of great men that Abba is a leader with a heart of gold who cares for his people
The group contrasted Babazango’s performance with that of Girei and his predecessors, such as Barrister Garba Lawan and Hajiya Aishatu Dahiru Binani, who they claim delivered robust representation.
As calls for Girei’s return intensify, political observers note that his association with Vunobolki, a respected figure with gubernatorial ambitions, could bolster his campaign.
Come back and finish the good work you started
Vunobolki’s visit to the flood-affected areas underscored his commitment to the people of Adamawa, further elevating Girei’s profile as a trusted ally. Whether Girei will heed the call to contest in the next election remains uncertain, but the enthusiasm of his supporters suggests a formidable grassroots movement is taking shape.
For now, the people of Yola North, Yola South, and Girei Federal Constituency are united in their message to Abba Girei: “Come back and finish the good work you started.”
