Adamawa Governor steps in – cancels civil service recruitment over fraud and chaos
By: Abudu Olalekan
Chaos. Anger. Betrayal. That’s the mood in Adamawa State right now.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri just pulled the plug — cancelling the entire civil service recruitment exercise. Why? Because the whole thing reeked of corruption.
Yep. You heard that right. After thousands of hopeful job seekers spent months preparing, the governor slammed his fist on the table. No more.
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) had just wrapped up a massive recruitment drive. Over 4,000 new staff were supposed to join Adamawa’s workforce — the biggest intake in years! Applicants queued for days. Filled forms. Passed tests. Held their breath.
Then… the list dropped.
And all hell broke loose.
Applicants flooded social media. They marched outside government offices. One young man shouted, “We got scammed!”
Multiple candidates told Reportersroom they’d done everything right. Met every requirement. Passed screenings with flying colours.
But their names? Gone.
Instead, strangers — people who’d never even shown up for an interview — appeared on the “successful” list.
“I submitted every document,” said Fatima Yusuf, a graduate. “I passed the computer test! Yet… I’m not there. Meanwhile, my neighbour’s cousin — who never applied — is listed! How?”
The ugly truth soon surfaced.
Desperate job seekers whispered about secret fees. Sources claim applicants were forced to cough up between ₦500,000 and ₦700,000 just to “secure” a slot.
“I sold my motorbike,” confessed Usman Abdullahi, 24. “Paid ₦600,000 to a ‘connection’. They promised me a job. Today? My name isn’t on the list. I’m ruined.”
Another applicant, who begged not to be named, spat: “It was a scam! Follow the rules? You get punished. Flash cash? You win.”
Governor Fintiri heard the uproar. Loud and clear.
He didn’t hesitate.
On Tuesday afternoon, he issued a blunt directive: “CANCEL THE ENTIRE RECRUITMENT.”
No partial fixes. No “we’ll review later”. Gone.
But he didn’t stop there.
Fintiri ordered the immediate creation of a probe panel. Its job? Dig into every single step — from shortlisting to final selection.
A senior government official (who asked not to be named) told Reportersroom: “The governor is furious. He said ‘heads will roll’. Anyone found guilty — big shot or small fry — will face the law. No excuses. This government hates extortion.”
Civil society groups are cheering.
“This is rare!” said Hauwa Bello, from the Adamawa Accountability Forum. “Most governors would sweep this under the carpet. Fintiri didn’t. Cancelling it sends a powerful message: corruption won’t be tolerated.”
Human rights advocate Idris Sani added: “Job seekers are always the victims. For once, someone listened! We hope the probe is transparent — and fast.”
What happens to the 4,000 “successful” candidates? Good question. Many have already quit their old jobs. Others took loans. Their dreams hang in the balance.
The probe panel has 14 days to submit findings. Investigators will audit bank records, cross‑check fingerprints, and interview applicants. Rumour says several CSC officials are already on “administrative leave”.
Governor Fintiri’s final words?
“Fairness isn’t optional. Play clean — or get out.”
For now, Adamawa’s job seekers wait. And hope this isn’t just another empty promise.
