Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has charged the newly elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 27 local government areas to uphold accountability, transparency, and a firm commitment to serving the people.
The governor called during yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony at the Government House, Dutse.
Governor Namadi emphasises the importance of local government administration as the first point of contact for citizens, urging the new leaders to recognise their role in the success of the government and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, said: “Your assumption of office as chairmen and vice-chairmen of your respective local governments is ordained by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, and it is a trust bestowed upon you by Him. Certainly, He will one day question you and ask how you discharged this responsibility, so it is important to be aware of this,” the governor said.
“You are going to manage the affairs of your people in your respective local governments, which is very important for you to understand. The local government is the first point of call for our people. Therefore, your ability to manage its affairs will determine the success of our party.”
The governor also stressed the need for the chairmen and vice-chairmen to remain physically present and accessible in their local governments.
He strongly warned against absenteeism, stating that this administration would no longer tolerate the habit of local government chairmen residing outside their constituencies.
“Let me warn you clearly: you must be at your duty post and stay with your people. The practice of being away—today in Kano, tomorrow in Kaduna, or Dutse—will not be tolerated. Please note this. Whether the atmosphere is good or bad, you must remain in your local government areas and ensure you take positive care of your people. This is very, very important.”
In addition to urging physical presence, the governor called for transparency and accountability in managing local government resources. He reminded the officials that public resources are meant for the people, not for personal use.
“You should know that the resources at your disposal belong to the people of your local government, not to you and your family. You should handle this responsibility with the utmost fear of Allah and be accountable to the people. You must ensure that whatever you do, you do it so that people will see you are giving your best.”
Governor Namadi also reminded the new leaders to avoid meddling in land allocation matters, which remain the sole responsibility of the governor unless specifically delegated.
“I want to strongly warn you that the land issue is the governor’s responsibility. Unless the governor delegated that responsibility to you, you have no right to allocate or sell land to anybody. You will be in trouble if you misbehave because you have contradicted the law. This must be very clear: stay away from land allocation and distribution. It is not your responsibility.”
