Against all expectations at the event, the Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has ordered an investigation into the claim of achievements made by two top officials in his administration.
The officials in question are the Commissioner for Health and Social Development, Dr. Muhammad Abdullahi Kainuwa, and the Director-General of the state Youths Employment Agency, Dr. Habib Kanya, respectively.
Arewa PUNCH reports that the Citizens’ Engagement Program aims to foster interaction between the government and the constituents across the 27 local government areas of Jigawa State.
However, the controversy surrounding the two officials’ claim has overshadowed the event’s purpose, even as
a former governor of the state, Barrister Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu, cautioned the Jigawa government and other stakeholders against politicizing the program.
Our correspondent reports that the investigation was prompted during a session of the citizen’s engagement program organized by the state government, where the two officials’ claims were vehemently disputed by the public.
During the third phase of the program with the theme: ‘Citizens Engagement Programme’ held on Sunday in Birnin Kudu, Dr. Kainuwa’s presentation was met with a chorus of disapproval from the audience.
The crowd loudly disputed his claim of projects executed in the local government, forcing him to abandon his speech and defend himself before the dignitaries, including Governor Namadi and the minister of defense.
Similarly, Dr. Kanya faced a barrage of criticisms when he attempted to tout his agency’s achievements.
The audience questioned the validity of his statements, further fueling the controversy.
In response to the public’s outcry, the governor, while speaking at the same event, assured the people that his administration would get to the bottom of the matter.
“We will institute a probe to uncover the truth behind the disputed claims,” he vowed.
“Our administration’s priority is to ensure transparency and accountability,” he added.
The session forced the governor to explain that the probe is expected to shed light on the accuracy of both the commissioner and agency head’s claims, thus providing a clearer picture of the state’s development progress.
Namadi also highlighted his administration’s commitment to executing projects that align with the Jigawa citizens’ 12-point agenda.
“We are dedicated to serving the people and addressing their concerns,” he stressed.
“By probing the disputed claims, the administration aims to restore public trust and ensure that development projects are executed effectively,” Governor Namadi stated further.
Namadi orders probe of Jigawa commissioner, agency head’s project claim
4th March 2025
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi
By Salisu Kabuga
Against all expectations at the event, the Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has ordered an investigation into the claim of achievements made by two top officials in his administration.
The officials in question are the Commissioner for Health and Social Development, Dr. Muhammad Abdullahi Kainuwa, and the Director-General of the state Youths Employment Agency, Dr. Habib Kanya, respectively.
Arewa PUNCH reports that the Citizens’ Engagement Program aims to foster interaction between the government and the constituents across the 27 local government areas of Jigawa State.
However, the controversy surrounding the two officials’ claim has overshadowed the event’s purpose, even as
a former governor of the state, Barrister Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu, cautioned the Jigawa government and other stakeholders against politicizing the program.
Our correspondent reports that the investigation was prompted during a session of the citizen’s engagement program organized by the state government, where the two officials’ claims were vehemently disputed by the public.
During the third phase of the program with the theme: ‘Citizens Engagement Programme’ held on Sunday in Birnin Kudu, Dr. Kainuwa’s presentation was met with a chorus of disapproval from the audience.
The crowd loudly disputed his claim of projects executed in the local government, forcing him to abandon his speech and defend himself before the dignitaries, including Governor Namadi and the minister of defense.
Similarly, Dr. Kanya faced a barrage of criticisms when he attempted to tout his agency’s achievements.
The audience questioned the validity of his statements, further fueling the controversy.
In response to the public’s outcry, the governor, while speaking at the same event, assured the people that his administration would get to the bottom of the matter.
“We will institute a probe to uncover the truth behind the disputed claims,” he vowed.
“Our administration’s priority is to ensure transparency and accountability,” he added.
The session forced the governor to explain that the probe is expected to shed light on the accuracy of both the commissioner and agency head’s claims, thus providing a clearer picture of the state’s development progress.
Namadi also highlighted his administration’s commitment to executing projects that align with the Jigawa citizens’ 12-point agenda.
“We are dedicated to serving the people and addressing their concerns,” he stressed.
“By probing the disputed claims, the administration aims to restore public trust and ensure that development projects are executed effectively,” governor Namadi stated further.
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Earlier, Birnin Kudu, who served as governor of Jigawa State from 1992 to 1993, hailed the incumbent administration of Governor Umar Namadi while speaking at the 3rd round of the event held on Sunday in Birnin Kudu LGA.
However, he advised the government to avoid making the program appear political, emphasising that its purpose is to engage people at the grassroots level.
The former governor stressed that the program should provide a platform for people to express their feelings, demands, advice, suggestions, objections, or observations on government’s activities in their areas.
He also noted that government officials should use the opportunity to brief people on the government’s policies, projects, and directions for the state’s development.
“The success of the Citizen Engagement Program will depend on the ability of the government and stakeholders to work together and maintain a non-political approach. By doing so, they can ensure that the program achieves its intended purpose and benefits the people of Jigawa State,” he further stressed.
Barrister Birnin Kudu cautioned that the time for campaigns has not yet come, reminding that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s stipulated time table for campaigns, which will commence around the 2027 general elections will serve as a guide to aspiring political office holders.
He warned that INEC has laws prohibiting campaign-like activities during this period and may take action against defaulters.
The APC chieftain advised stakeholders from both government appointees and constituents to refrain from actions that could make the event appear political.
Instead, he suggested that the Jigawa State Ministry of Information should develop a sensitisation framework to educate stakeholders on the program’s non-political nature.
The former governor, who also highlighted the importance of the program, stated that it provides a two-way interface between government officials and the governed.
“As Jigawa State continues to develop and grow, the importance of programs like the Citizen Engagement Program can not be overstated. By fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity, the government can ensure that the needs and concerns of all citizens are heard and addressed,” he pointed out.
While hailing the initiative, he maintained that it aligned with the principles of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Birnin Kudu in his words of wisdom to Gov Namadi, advised him to be patient with his people and avoid being temperamental as a leader, insisting that only by embracing them with patience and calmness would progress be better and faster achieved.
“It is better to deal with them with a sense of humanity and adopt a culture of patience and tolerance, living in harmony with one another.”
Additionally, the ex-governor on behalf of his constituents appealed to the government to provide them with the needed infrastructure, including schools, roads, water projects, and flood control mechanisms, to communities around Birnin Kudu province.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including Governor Umar Namadi and other stakeholders from the ministries, the departments, and the agencies of the Jigawa State Government.