Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has issued a firm warning to political appointees in his administration, directing them to either prioritise the welfare of citizens or resign from office if they are unwilling or unable to meet the expectations of public service.
The governor made the declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Dutse, where he expressed concern over growing complaints from residents about the performance and responsiveness of some government officials at various levels.
His position was made public in a statement released by Zainab S. Rabo, the Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to the Governor, who confirmed that the remarks were aimed at reinforcing accountability and strengthening service delivery across the state.
Governor Namadi stressed that his administration is anchored on the principle of people-centred governance, where the needs of citizens—particularly those at the grassroots—must remain the top priority of every public office holder. He warned that any deviation from this principle would not be tolerated.
According to him, leadership in government is not defined by titles, positions, or privileges, but by the tangible impact officials make in improving the lives of the people they serve. He urged all political appointees to remain actively engaged with their communities and ensure that they respond promptly to the concerns and challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
The governor emphasised that his administration was founded on unity, mutual support, and collective responsibility, and he called on his appointees to reflect these values in their conduct and official duties. He noted that public trust in government can only be sustained when leaders demonstrate empathy, accountability, and a genuine commitment to service.
However, Namadi did not shy away from expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of some officials within his cabinet and political structure. He referenced increasing reports and complaints from members of the public who have accused certain appointees of neglecting their responsibilities and failing to provide adequate support or attention to community needs.
He described such behaviour as unacceptable and inconsistent with the expectations of public office, warning that government positions should never be reduced to ceremonial roles or personal privilege.
The governor further addressed what he described as excuses from some appointees who claim they lack the financial or material resources to assist citizens who approach them for help. He firmly rejected such justifications, insisting that anyone unwilling to contribute meaningfully to public welfare has no business occupying government office.
“Anybody who feels he earns nothing to use in supporting the public should resign,” Governor Namadi stated, reinforcing his stance that public service requires sacrifice, responsibility, and a willingness to serve beyond personal comfort.
He added that leadership must always be measured by service delivery and the ability to positively affect lives, rather than personal enrichment or status. According to him, the essence of governance lies in improving living conditions, addressing community challenges, and ensuring that government presence is felt at all levels of society.
Governor Namadi warned that his administration would not hesitate to take decisive action against any appointee found to be underperforming or failing to meet the standards expected of them. He stressed that accountability would be enforced strictly to ensure that the government’s development agenda is not undermined by negligence or lack of commitment.
The governor’s comments have been widely interpreted as part of a broader effort to strengthen governance structures in Jigawa State and improve the efficiency of public service delivery. Observers note that his remarks reflect growing pressure on state governments across Nigeria to demonstrate measurable results in response to citizens’ expectations.
Residents and political stakeholders have continued to react to the governor’s directive, with some praising the stance as a necessary step toward improving accountability in government, while others see it as a signal that a performance review of appointees may be imminent.
In recent years, Nigerian governors have increasingly emphasised the need for transparency, responsiveness, and grassroots engagement among political office holders, particularly as citizens demand better access to basic services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.
Governor Namadi’s warning is therefore seen as aligning with a wider national conversation on governance effectiveness and the responsibility of public officials to justify the confidence placed in them.
As his administration continues to roll out policies aimed at improving welfare and development across Jigawa State, attention is now focused on how appointees will respond to the governor’s directive and whether it will translate into improved service delivery at the community level.
