Jigawa: Protest Erupts Against Agric Commissioner, Demanding His Removal From Office | Newskeeper

Image: Protesters at the gate of Government House, Dutse.

By Salisu K Ismail

The people of Ringim Constituency in Jigawa State gathered in large numbers, their voices echoing through the streets as they protested against the Commissioner of Agriculture.

The Protesters who finally stormed the gate of the Jigawa State Government House, Dutse, on Thursday claimed that, the State Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alhaji Muttaka Namadi had failed to represent their interests in the Jigawa state government, and it was time for him to go.

The Protesters, comprising farmers, youths, community leaders and women marched to the Jigawa State Government House, Dutse from Ringim which is the constituency of the accused Commissioner, waving placards and banners.

The angry Protesters who blocked the main entrance of the Government House were chanting different slogans, demanding the commissioner's removal and expressing their disappointment in his performance.

Image: Leader of the protest, Bashir DanMalam.

Speaking to journalists Amidst the protest, Mallam Bashir Muhammad DanMalam stated that, the Commissioner in questions, has not brought any meaningful projects and is not representing them well in the Government,"

He declared that, "It's time for him to resign or continue to face series of vote of no confidence from us," he warned.

The leader of the Protest therefore, alleged neglect and incompetence from the side of the Commissioner.

"This is a triumph for democracy and accountability, so we took this protest to demonstrate the power of collective action and commitment to good governance." Bashir DanMalam concluded.

Image: A section of Women during the protest.

Effort of the security personnel at the main gate of the Government House and some Government officials including the Chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state Alhaji Aminu Sani Gumel while trying to intervene were rebuffed, as the Protesters insisted on taking their grievances directly to the State governor Umar Namadi.

Newskeeper reports that, as the protest lasted for about two hours, some few representatives among them (Protesters) were selected to said out their complains before the government assigned officials and submitted a formal petition, detailing the commissioner's alleged shortcomings and calling for his removal.