Gov. Namadi and politics of distraction in Jigawa
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
In recent days, social media has been awash with claims of an “internal crisis” rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State, purportedly advanced by one Umar Danjani. His assertions of factional division within the party may make for an entertaining Nollywood script, but they lack substance when weighed against the facts on the ground. More importantly, such narratives appear carefully orchestrated to undermine the hard-earned cordial relationship between Governor Umar Namadi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a partnership that has, stood on mutual respect, shared values, and the common goal of delivering democratic dividends to the people.
The insinuation that Governor Namadi is presiding over a divided house not only misrepresents the political reality in Jigawa but also distracts from the genuine work being done by his administration. Those who peddle such stories are not merely political mischief-makers; they represent interest groups intent on sowing seeds of discord for their selfish gain. But governance in Jigawa, under Namadi’s stewardship, has never been about “food is ready” politics, where the commonwealth is shared among a privileged few. Instead, it has been about judicious use of state resources to better the lives of the people in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Building a healthier Jigawa
Governor Namadi’s administration has been clear-eyed about one thing: no state can develop when its people are unhealthy. That is why his government has invested significantly in healthcare delivery across Jigawa. Under his watch, primary health centres have been rehabilitated and equipped in rural communities where medical access was previously limited. The drive to ensure at least one functional healthcare facility per ward has seen remarkable progress, with trained personnel deployed and essential drugs made available.
Maternal and child health, often a critical challenge in northern states, has received special attention. Jigawa has witnessed expanded immunisation coverage, increased antenatal care access, and programmes designed to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. In addition, Governor Namadi’s emphasis on health insurance schemes has begun to provide relief for ordinary families who would otherwise be crippled by out-of-pocket medical expenses. Far from mismanaging the state’s finances, he has ensured that every naira spent on health translates to longer, healthier lives for Jigawa’s citizens.
Investing in the future
If there is one area that most clearly demonstrates Namadi’s people-centred approach, it is education. Jigawa’s youth, like their counterparts nationwide, face a competitive future. To prepare them, Governor Namadi has expanded access to quality education, beginning from the primary level. His government has renovated classrooms, recruited qualified teachers, and invested in teaching materials to create an enabling environment for learning.
The administration has equally strengthened secondary education by providing laboratories, libraries, and ICT centres. These interventions ensure that Jigawa children are not left behind in the digital age. In higher education, the governor has pursued partnerships with tertiary institutions to broaden academic offerings and vocational training opportunities, thereby equipping young people with the skills required for gainful employment.
Importantly, the Namadi government’s interventions in girl-child education have sent a powerful signal that no segment of Jigawa society should be marginalised. Scholarship programmes, advocacy campaigns, and the provision of learning materials have combined to increase female enrolment and retention in schools. These are long-term investments whose dividends will be reaped for generations.
Strengthening the backbone of the economy
Agriculture remains the backbone of Jigawa’s economy, employing the majority of its citizens. Here too, Governor Namadi has shown foresight and commitment. By supporting farmers with improved seedlings, fertilisers, and mechanised equipment, his government has not only boosted yields but also reduced the drudgery associated with traditional farming practices.
Water management has been another priority. Jigawa’s irrigation schemes have been expanded and rehabilitated to ensure year-round farming, thereby improving food security and household incomes. Livestock farmers have also not been left behind: veterinary services, vaccination programmes, and grazing reserves are being developed to support pastoral livelihoods.
These interventions speak to a vision of economic diversification and resilience, where agriculture is not simply about subsistence but a profitable and sustainable venture for families across the state.
Laying foundations for growth
No meaningful development can take place without infrastructure, and Governor Namadi has rightly prioritised this area. His government has embarked on extensive road construction and rehabilitation, linking rural communities to urban centres and thereby facilitating trade, mobility, and access to social services.
Electricity and rural electrification projects have also been expanded to light up previously neglected areas, while investments in water supply have reduced the burden on communities that once had to trek miles for clean water. These efforts have not gone unnoticed: they are daily transforming the lives of ordinary people in ways that partisan propaganda cannot erase.
Governance for all, not a few
The accusations of factionalism and internal strife are nothing more than political diversions. Governor Umar Namadi has demonstrated, through his policies and programmes, that Jigawa’s money is not meant for waste or political patronage. Instead, it is meant to serve the overall good of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
At a time when Nigeria faces enormous socio-economic challenges, Jigawa has been fortunate to have a leader focused on results, not rhetoric. The partnership between Governor Namadi and President Tinubu is not built on the fragile sands of opportunism but on a shared commitment to progress. Attempts to drive a wedge between the two leaders are bound to fail because they are rooted in falsehoods and envy, not in facts.
Those who claim otherwise may find their tales entertaining for social media chatter or Nollywood scripts, but governance is not theatre. It is about real people, real needs, and real solutions. Governor Namadi’s record in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure speaks for itself. Jigawa’s story under his leadership is not one of crisis but of steady, inclusive progress.
Lawal Jet Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano