By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has issued a stern warning to the newly elected local government chairmen to refrain from illegal activities involving land, grazing, and forest reserves or risk jail terms.
The governor gave the caution during the swearing-in ceremony of the 27 newly elected local government council chairmen.
In his speech, Governor Namadi stressed that the control of land, forest, and grazing reserves rests solely under his authority as the governor.
“I am warning all of you to avoid illegal allocation and sale of lands, grazing, and forest reserves in your respective areas. All powers regarding these lands belong to the governor, and you have no authority unless I authorize you,” he emphasized.
The governor further directed the new chairmen to reside in their local government headquarters, warning against living in cities such as Kano, Abuja, or Dutse.
“You must stay in your local areas 24/7 because your attention is needed at any time. This is not the era of absentee leadership,” he added.
He also instructed them to renovate the official residences provided for local government chairmen if necessary.
Governor Namadi emphasized that he will not tolerate officials abandoning their duties for unnecessary travels and warned that actions will be taken against anyone found guilty of neglecting their responsibilities.
In addition to these directives, the governor urged the new chairmen to run transparent and inclusive administrations, working closely with councillors and civil servants.
“Carry everyone along and allow them to perform their duties. I call on you to be fair and just in all your actions, as you will be held accountable before God,” he stated.
Namadi also appealed to the people of Jigawa to support and cooperate with the new local government councils to ensure the effective delivery of their constitutional duties.
The newly elected chairmen took their oath of offices, which was administered by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Bello Abdulkadir Fanini on Monday