Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin: Jigawa’s moment of legislative glory
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
The recent election of the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a moment of profound pride, not just for Jigawa State, but for Nigeria’s democratic journey as a whole. This achievement is far more than a ceremonial victory; it is a powerful statement about growth, inclusion, and the quiet but steady transformation taking place in a state too often misunderstood and unfairly labelled.
For decades, Jigawa State has been casually dismissed in national conversations as being “behind” in education and women’s participation in politics. These narratives, while rooted in historical challenges common to many parts of northern Nigeria, have frequently ignored the deep reforms, cultural shifts, and institutional strengthening that have been unfolding beneath the surface.
The emergence of Rt. Hon. Dangyatin as chairman of a national body of Speakers decisively challenges such stereotypes. It sends a clear message: leadership, competence, and vision are not confined to geography or outdated assumptions.
The Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly is a strategic platform. It brings together leaders who shape laws, oversee executive actions, and safeguard democratic accountability across Nigeria’s 36 states. To be elected chairman by peers from APC-controlled State Houses of Assembly across all six geopolitical zones is a strong vote of confidence. It reflects not only the personal leadership qualities of Rt. Hon. Dangyatin, but also the institutional credibility and growing influence of the Jigawa State House of Assembly itself.
This development did not happen in isolation. It is the product of deliberate governance choices and political maturity within Jigawa State. Under the current administration, the relationship between the executive and the legislature has been marked by mutual respect, constructive engagement, and shared commitment to development.
Governor Umar Namadi deserves special commendation in this regard. His support for a functional, independent, and confident legislature has created an environment where leaders like Rt. Hon. Dangyatin can thrive and earn national recognition.
Governor Namadi’s leadership style reflects an understanding that democracy flourishes best when institutions are strengthened, not weakened.
By supporting the House of Assembly, through policy backing, capacity building, and inclusive governance, he has helped project Jigawa State onto the national stage in a positive light. This support is not about personal loyalty; it is about believing in systems, empowering leadership, and allowing merit to speak for itself.
The Jigawa State House of Assembly today stands as a symbol of what is possible when vision meets opportunity. Its Speaker now chairs a conference designed to strengthen coordination among APC Speakers, promote democratic governance, and align state-level legislation with national development priorities. In this role, Rt. Hon. Dangyatin will not only represent Jigawa but also contribute to shaping legislative best practices across Nigeria. That responsibility carries weight and prestige.
Equally important is what this moment represents for young people and women in Jigawa State. While challenges around education and women’s political participation remain real, milestones like this help shift perceptions and inspire aspiration. They prove that Jigawa is not frozen in time; it is evolving. Recognition at this level helps open doors, attract attention to local reforms, and encourage broader participation in public life.
Progress often begins with visibility, and this election provides exactly that. The broader leadership structure elected at the congress, including the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly as Deputy Chairman for the South, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly as Deputy Chairman for the North, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly as Treasurer, and six Zonal Vice Chairmen from across the regions—underscores the inclusive, national character of the Conference. That Jigawa now sits at the helm of such a diverse and influential body is no small feat.
In celebrating Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, we are also celebrating the Jigawa State House of Assembly, the people it represents, and a government that believes in empowering its institutions. This achievement should be seen as both recognition and responsibility: recognition of how far Jigawa has come, and responsibility to continue pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and delivering results.
History often changes quietly, through moments like this. And in this moment, Jigawa State has spoken clearly: it belongs at the centre of Nigeria’s democratic leadership.
Lawal Jet Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano
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