Jigawa govt to opposition: We’re not seeking your validation
The Jigawa State Government has responded to criticisms from opposition parties regarding its Citizens’ Engagement Programme, declaring that it is not seeking validation or praise from political rivals.
Speaking during an interview with journalists at the Citizens’ Engagement event held in Birniwa Local Government Area, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa Ahmed, said the programme, locally known as Gwamnati da Jama’a, was designed to bring governance closer to the people.
The initiative, launched by Governor Umar Namadi, aims to give residents across the 27 local government areas the opportunity to directly express their needs and grievances to government officials.
However, opposition parties—particularly the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)—have criticised the initiative, accusing the government of using it for political gain.
They claim the platform has strayed from its original purpose and does not allow inclusive participation regardless of political leaning.
Responding to these concerns, Sagir Musa Ahmed said:
“The government is not expecting praise from the opposition. What matters most to us is meeting the expectations of our citizens.”;
He stressed that the Citizens’ Engagement Programme ensures broad inclusion across different societal sectors:
“I don’t think it is necessary to dwell on what the opposition is saying. In anything you do, there will always be critics. But what is important is that for the first time in Jigawa’s history, the governor, alongside other members of the executive, judiciary, and legislature, are coming together to engage directly with the people and seek their input.”;
Ahmed reaffirmed that the programme includes participants from every political ward, civil society organisations, farmers’ groups, and development associations in each LGA.
He concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to democratic governance and public accountability:
“We are focused on the good people of the state, and pleased to see that they are happy and satisfied with what the government is doing. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. This is a democracy.”
