Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has issued a stern warning to newly elected local government chairpersons and their deputies, threatening them with jail time if they engage in unauthorised land allocation and distribution.
The governor made this declaration on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony for the local council officials in Dutse.
“Let me make it clear that land issues are the sole responsibility of the government. Unless the governor authorises you, stay away from land allocation and distribution, or you will go to jail,” Governor Namadi warned.
He emphasised that managing land in Jigawa State is a sensitive matter, and no local government official should act outside their authority regarding this issue.
Governor Namadi also urged the newly inaugurated officials to remain in their respective local government areas (LGAs) to serve their communities effectively.
He stressed that his administration would no longer tolerate local government chairpersons living outside their duty posts, whether in the state capital, Dutse, or in other locations such as Kano.
Governor Namadi also encouraged the newly elected officials to ensure inclusivity in their leadership by carrying all segments of the community along in their decision-making processes. He wished them a successful tenure and expressed his hope that they would serve diligently.
In the recent local government elections held on October 5, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured all 27 chairmanship positions and 282 councillorship seats across the state. The Accord Party (AP) won four councillorship seats, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) claimed one councillorship position.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated chairpersons, Muhammad Uba, the chairman of Birninkudu Local Government Council, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support and pledged to work in accordance with the administration’s directives.
