A Strong Argument: Restoring Order for Progress at Jimeta Ultra Modern Market

Yola, Adamawa State - September 23, 2025

The government of Adamawa state is aware of the divergent perspectives concerning its recent intervention at the Jimeta Ultra-Modern Market. While respecting the right to free expression, the administration emphasizes that its actions, though difficult, are driven by the imperative to ensure public safety and safeguard critical infrastructure. We acknowledge the potential for public inconvenience, but these measures are deemed essential for the long-term benefit of the community.

The attempt to brand these actions in a "bad light" ignores both the history and the urgent reality of the situation. Let's set the record straight.

1. The Action Was Not an Attack on Livelihoods, But a Defense of Public Safety and Investment.

The Jimeta Ultra Modern Market was conceived by the administration of Boni Haruna as a crown jewel for Adamawa State—a structured, clean, and orderly space befitting a modern, emerging state. Its purpose was to elevate commerce, not to descend into the chaos it became.

- Fire Hazard: The haphazard erection of illegal structures and the blockage of access roads created a massive fire trap. A single incident could have led to a catastrophic loss of life and property, a risk no responsible government can accept.

· Health Hazard: Improper waste disposal and unsanitary conditions posed significant public health risks, threatening not just traders but also customers and the wider community.

· Security Hazard: The distorted layout became a haven for criminal elements, making the market unsafe for legitimate businesses and shoppers.

The government's primary duty is the protection of its citizens. Allowing these dangers to persist would have been a grave dereliction of that duty.

2. The Action Upholds the Original Vision and Protects Collective Investment.

The market is a public asset, built with state resources for the benefit of all. The gradual encroachment and structural violations were a theft of public space. They undermined the very "modern" and "ultra-modern" design that made the market a point of pride.

This intervention is not a demolition but a restoration. It is about reclaiming the original master plan, ensuring proper access roads for fire services and ambulances, restoring sanitation facilities, and guaranteeing a secure environment where commerce can truly thrive. This protects the significant financial investment the state has already made in this facility.

3. Governance Requires Courageous Decisions, Not Popular Ones.

It is easy to criticize from the sidelines. It is far more difficult to make the tough decisions required for long-term progress. Governor Fintiri's administration chose responsibility over popularity.

· This action was likely preceded by warnings and notices, giving ample opportunity for compliance. The narrative that this was a sudden, aggressive move is likely false. Enforcement is always the last resort.

· The goal is economic revitalization, not economic disruption. A clean, safe, and well-organized market attracts more customers, improves the reputation of traders, and increases the volume of business for everyone. This action was taken for the legitimate traders who suffered from the chaos, not against them.

The restoration of order at Jimeta Ultra Modern Market is a testament to a government that is willing to do what is right, not just what is easy. It is about honoring the vision of our past leaders while building a safer, more prosperous, and more modern Adamawa State for all.

We urge the public to see beyond short-term inconveniences and sentiment-driven narratives. This is a decisive step towards sustainable development, public safety, and a market that truly serves as a modern engine of commerce for our state. The government remains committed to working with all legitimate stakeholders to ensure the market achieves its full potential.

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