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| Image: Former Jigawa state governor Barrister Ali Sa'ad at the citizens engagement program held in Birnin Kudu. |
By Muhammad Salisu
The Jigawa State Government has been cautioned against politicizing its newly introduced "Citizen Engagement Program" by former Governor Barrister Ali Sa'ad Birnin Kudu.
This program, themed "Government and the People," aims to foster interaction between the government and constituents across the 27 Local Government Areas of Jigawa State.
Barrister Birnin Kudu, who served as governor of Jigawa State from 1992 to 1993, praised 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, emphasizing 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 activities in their areas.
He also noted that government officials should use this opportunity to brief people on government 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, citing the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) stipulated times for campaigns, which will commence around the 2027 general elections.
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 sensitization framework to educate stakeholders on the program's non-political nature.
The former governor emphasized the importance of the program, stating 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 cannot 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.
He praised the initiative, saying it aligns with the principles of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
The former governor also offered words of wisdom to Governor Umar Namadi, advising him to be patient with his people and avoid being temperamental as a leader.
Ali Sa'ad therefore emphasized the importance of embracing patience and calmness when dealing with humanity and called on the people to adopt a culture of patience and tolerance, living in harmony with one another.
Additionally the former governor on behalf of his constituents people 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 ministries, departments and agencies of Jigawa state government.
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