How Executive – Legislative Synergy Is Transforming Jigawa

Recently, the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, took the bull by the horns by addressing public speculation concerning the relationship between the Assembly and the State Governor, His Excellency Malam Umar Namadi.

There have been mixed reactions in the public domain regarding the nature of the relationship between these two institutions. Some view it as a condition that can help move Jigawa State forward, while others are of the opinion that such a development may tantamount to compromising democratic principles.

As everyone knows, there are four pillars of democracy: the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and Media. Each is intended to work independently to promote checks and balances, inclusiveness, and public transparency for sustainable peace and development.

Since assuming office, Governor Malam Umar Namadi has declared his determination to ensure the separation of powers, respect democratic tenets, and collaborate with every institution and the general public to transform Jigawa State.

Similarly, following their inauguration, the Jigawa State 8th Assembly promised to work within its jurisdictions, follow due process, and adhere to the rule of law in discharging its legislative and oversight functions.

In the midst of these pledges and commitments from both institutions, the public has been in awe, two years later, about the nature of this relationship and its impact on Jigawa State.

Rt. Honourable Haruna Dangyatin took advantage of the closing ceremony of the Jigawa State Government Citizens Engagement program (“Gwamnatin Da Jama’a”) held in Yankwashi Local Government—the last of the 27 local governments to host the program—to give his account of the relationship with the executive.

Hon. Dangyatin elaborated that they are proud of their cordial relationship and owe no one an apology for it, as it is based on the principle of law and a commitment to the development of Jigawa State.

According to him, since assuming office and their subsequent inauguration, Governor Namadi has never interfered with the Assembly’s jurisdictions and has always entertained observations and recommendations made by the Assembly on any matters of legislation or public affairs.

In his narration, the Speaker stated that Governor Namadi always emphasizes promoting laws that enhance probity and accountability, deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, and enhance effective public service delivery.

Hon. Dangyatin added that in the last two years, the State Governor has sent over 30 bills to the House, all of which were people-oriented and centered on service to humanity, protecting human rights and dignity, improving public service, and laying down policies and projects to facilitate sustainable growth and development.

The Speaker continued, saying that it is not only with bills; the Governor also considers their requests for constituency projects and other demands for their constituencies with mutual respect and consideration.

“In most instances, as a legislature, we prepare a bill, but before we conclude and present it, we receive a similar bill from the Governor. This shows that we are thinking and working along the same lines toward the same goal: that is supporting the transformation for a prosperous and greater Jigawa State.

“Our cordial relationship with the executive over the last two years has done nothing but create an enabling environment for the implementation of the ambitious 12-point agenda, which has already started yielding fruitful results.

“Everyone in Jigawa State can bear witness to the unprecedented transformation recorded in the last two years, and the rate and speed at which this transformation is occurring have now rekindled everyone’s hope for achieving a dignified and happy life in Jigawa State.

“Today, under Governor Namadi, Jigawa stands as a reference point in terms of political inclusiveness, promoting public participation, economic inclusion, effective public service delivery, and effective education, health, economic, and water supply systems, policies” Dangyatin stated.

He further maintained that presently, everyone is proud to be from Jigawa and has hope for a better future under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, whom he described as a source of inspiration for the younger generation.

The Jigawa State Assembly declared that if collaborative efforts born from a cordial relationship are what people view as a “rubber stamp,” its members, without any apology, are determined to strengthen and sustain it to the pinnacle.

Whatever the nature of the Jigawa legislative relationship, the main philosophy and duty entrusted to them is to pursue the betterment of the people in all ramifications. Any relationship that facilitates the achievement of this goal is welcome by all good people of the state and beyond.