Jigawa Governor Threatens Jail for Local Government Chairpersons Over Land Allocations

• Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State warned newly elected local government officials against unauthorized land allocations, threatening imprisonment for violations
• He emphasized the importance of remaining in local areas to serve communities effectively and urged inclusivity in decision-making processes

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has issued a stern warning to newly elected local government chairpersons and their deputies against unauthorized land allocations and distributions.

He threatened that any official who engages in such activities without proper authorization would face imprisonment.

Governor Namadi made this declaration on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony of local council officials in Dutse.

He emphasized that land management is a sensitive issue; only the state government can allocate and distribute land.

“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,” he warned.

The governor also urged the newly inaugurated officials to remain in their respective local government areas (LGAs) to serve their communities effectively, warning that his administration would not tolerate local government chairpersons residing outside their duty posts in places like the state capital, Dutse, or even Kano.

Additionally, Governor Namadi encouraged inclusivity in their leadership, advising them to involve all community segments in decision-making. He expressed hope for their successful tenure and urged them to serve diligently.

In the recent local government elections held on October 5, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 27 chairmanship positions and 282 councillorship seats across the state.

The Accord Party (AP) secured 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, thanked the governor for his support and pledged to work per the administration’s directives.