NUJ Chairman Alleges Threat to Life by Governor Fintiri’s Associate
Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Adamawa State Council, Mr. Donald Dedan, has accused Mr. Hamidu Mukhtari, a close ally of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, of threatening his life during a public event in Yola.
In a formal complaint shared with the press, Dedan alleged that Mukhtari—popularly known as “Dogo” and identified as the Director of Youth Mobilization for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa issued the threat during the Bwatiye International Cultural Fiesta held at Mahmud Ribadu Square on May 30, 2025.
Dedan, who was serving as one of the official Masters of Ceremony at the event, said the incident occurred shortly after he ushered in Governor Fintiri to deliver his speech.
“While the Governor was addressing the audience, I heard someone shouting behind me. When I turned around to ask for silence, I was surprised to see Hamidu Mukhtari. He then began hurling insults and threatened to ‘deal with me’ once the Governor left the stage,” Dedan recounted.
According to Dedan, the confrontation unfolded in the presence of the Governor’s Aide-de-Camp, protocol officials, the Chief Press Secretary, and several journalists, including members of the Governor’s press crew. The protocol team, he said, intervened quickly to calm the situation.
Dedan confirmed that he has lodged official complaints with the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), warning that Mukhtari should be held responsible if any harm comes to him or his family.
“This is not the first time Mr. Mukhtari has harassed journalists in Adamawa State,” Dedan said. “His continued actions represent a clear threat to press freedom and public safety.”
Mukhtari has previously been linked to similar incidents. In 2021, veteran journalist Ibrahim Mista Ali accused him of physical assault at the Government House. That same year, politician Dr. Umar Ardo alleged that Mukhtari organized an attack on him and his supporters during a political meeting.
Despite repeated allegations, Mukhtari has yet to respond to the latest claims as of the time of this report.
The NUJ has urged security agencies and the Adamawa State Government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of journalists and safeguard democratic values in the state.
