Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has issued a strong warning to newly elected local government chairpersons and their deputies, threatening legal consequences if they engage in unauthorized land allocation and distribution.
The governor announced during the swearing-in ceremony for the new local council officials in Dutse on Monday.
“Let me make it clear that land issues are the sole responsibility of the government. Unless the governor authorizes you, stay away from land allocation and distribution, or you will go to jail,” Namadi warned.
He emphasized that land management in Jigawa State is a susceptible matter, and no local government official is permitted to act outside their authority on this issue.
Governor Sets Strict Guidelines for Local Government Officials
In addition to his stance on land management, Governor Namadi urged the newly inaugurated chairpersons and their deputies to remain in their respective local government areas (LGAs) to serve their communities effectively. He highlighted that his administration would no longer tolerate officials residing outside their jurisdictions, particularly in the state capital, Dutse, or nearby cities like Kano.
Namadi also called for inclusive governance, urging the officials to engage all segments of their communities in decision-making processes. He expressed his hopes for a successful tenure and urged the officials to remain diligent in their duties.
APC Dominates Recent Local Government Elections
The local government elections held on October 5 saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) secure all 27 chairmanship positions and 282 councillorship seats across the state. The Accord Party (AP) claimed four councillorship seats, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won one.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated chairpersons, Muhammad Uba, chairman of Birninkudu Local Government Council, expressed gratitude to Governor Namadi for his support and pledged to work in line with the administration’s directives.