Rejoinder: Jimeta Market Shop Sales Scandal: Dabari’s Accountability in Question

By TGNews

In a fervent call for truth and accountability, stakeholders in Adamawa State’s commercial sector have issued a strong rebuttal to allegations linking the former chairman of the Jimeta Ultra Modern Market’s management board to unauthorized shop sales.

The accusations, described as baseless and diversionary, have shifted scrutiny toward the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Ishaya Dabari, whose oversight of the market is now under fire for alleged irregularities, including unauthorized construction and allocation of shops.

Spark Kushi in a statement made available to TGNews said the controversy surrounding the Jimeta Ultra Modern Market, a flagship project under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration, has sparked outrage among market stakeholders who accuse Commissioner Dabari of undermining due process and fostering a climate of impunity.

Mr. George Kushi, is innocent of the alleged unauthorized shop sales and that efforts to tarnish his reputation are a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from the real culprits

In a detailed statement, concerned parties clarified that the former board chairman, Mr. George Kushi, is innocent of the alleged unauthorized shop sales and that efforts to tarnish his reputation are a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from the real culprits.

“It is imperative to set the record straight,” the statement read. “The attempt to associate the former chairman with unauthorized shop sales is not only condemnable but entirely unfounded.

“Within the market community, it is widely acknowledged that Commissioner Dabari has been significantly involved in the unauthorized allocation and construction of shops, even before the Kushi-led board was appointed in September 2024.”

The attempt to associate the former chairman with unauthorized shop sales is not only condemnable but entirely unfounded

The stakeholders allege that under Commissioner Dabari’s leadership, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has failed to uphold the master plan for the Jimeta Ultra Modern Market, a key component of Governor Fintiri’s vision to modernize Adamawa’s commercial landscape.

Recent reports indicate that unauthorized structures, including shops and stalls deviating from the approved design, have emerged without proper documentation or planning approval. These irregularities came to light during a recent inspection by Governor Fintiri, who ordered the demolition of the illegal constructions upon discovery.

“It is highly inappropriate for Commissioner Dabari to feign ignorance of these unauthorized shops,” the statement continued. “If he claims unawareness, it only underscores his inefficiency as a leader.”

It is highly inappropriate for Commissioner Dabari to feign ignorance of these unauthorized shops

The stakeholders assert that Dabari’s direct intervention in market operations has bypassed established protocols, eroded the authority of the now-dissolved market management board, and compromised the integrity of the market’s development plan.

The dissolution of the Jimeta Modern Market’s management board on June 11, 2025, as announced by Governor Fintiri, has further fueled speculation about the underlying issues. While no official reason was provided for the dissolution, the timing—less than a year after the board’s inauguration—has raised questions about the management of the market and the role of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under Dabari’s leadership.

If he claims unawareness, it only underscores his inefficiency as a leader

The stakeholders have called for an independent investigation into the operations of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, specifically targeting Commissioner Dabari’s conduct. “Should there be valid concerns about illegal activities within Jimeta Modern Market, the investigation must begin with the Commissioner himself,” they urged.

They emphasized that Dabari’s actions have perpetuated confusion, undermined transparency, and allowed clandestine dealings to flourish, to the detriment of lawful trade practices.

“We will not permit our market to become a political battleground, particularly for those seeking to mislead our capable governor,” the statement declared.

The stakeholders expressed confidence in Governor Fintiri’s commitment to fairness and urged him to establish a committee to uncover the truth and evaluate the achievements of the former board chairman during his tenure.

We will not permit our market to become a political battleground, particularly for those seeking to mislead our capable governor

The Jimeta Ultra Modern Market, a cornerstone of Governor Fintiri’s economic diversification agenda, has been hailed as a transformative project aimed at boosting commerce, tourism, and technology in Adamawa State.

The governor flagged off the construction of a N19.7 billion ultra-modern shopping complex in February 2025, designed to include state-of-the-art facilities such as a fire service unit, police station, car park, and administrative block.

Under the leadership of the inaugural board, chaired by George Kushi, the market saw significant reforms, including enhanced security for solar installations, a streamlined administrative structure with defined opening and closing times, and a culture of transparency and fairness.

Kushi who was the embattled Chairman and removed over sundry issues of alledged selling of illegal shops said these improvements stand in stark contrast to the alleged mismanagement under Commissioner Dabari’s oversight.

“We express our gratitude to Governor Fintiri for his purposeful leadership, which has driven reforms and strengthened the market’s operations,” the statement noted. “His vision has given us hope, and we trust he will ensure a fair investigation to uphold justice.”

We express our gratitude to Governor Fintiri for his purposeful leadership, which has driven reforms and strengthened the market’s operations

The allegations against Commissioner Dabari come amid broader concerns about the management of state-owned enterprises in Adamawa. A recent report highlighted the collapse of several government-owned companies due to economic downturns or mismanagement, with Dabari himself acknowledging efforts to revive dormant entities.

However, the current controversy suggests that systemic issues within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry may be undermining these efforts.

His vision has given us hope, and we trust he will ensure a fair investigation to uphold justice

As the Jimeta Ultra Modern Market continues to position itself as a hub for commerce and foreign investment, the allegations of unauthorized shop sales and construction threaten to erode public trust. Stakeholders remain steadfast in their demand for accountability, warning that failure to address these issues could jeopardize the market’s potential as a driver of economic growth.

“We remain optimistic that Governor Fintiri, renowned for his commitment to fair hearings, will take decisive action to uncover the truth,” the statement concluded. “The Jimeta Ultra Modern Market is too vital to our state’s future to be mired in controversy.”

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