GOVERNOR Umar Namadi of Jigawa State disclosed that he reads his oath of office every day as a solemn reminder of his responsibilities to the people, stressing the spiritual weight of leadership and the fleeting nature of life.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new chairman of Gumel Local Government at the Council Chambers of Government House, Dutse, the governor urged all public officials to embrace their duties with a sense of divine accountability.
“If you go to my office today, you’ll find that same oath placed on my desk. I have kept it there intentionally,” he said. “Every time I look at it, I remind myself of the bond between me and the people of Jigawa State.”
He encouraged the newly sworn-in chairman to adopt a similar habit.
“I advise you to do the same place a copy of that oath in your office. When you arrive in the morning, read it before you sit down at your table. It’s very, very important. That oath is heavy.”
The new chairman was appointed following the sudden passing of the former officeholder.
At the event, the governor said, “I want to use this moment to call on myself, the new chairman, and all of us gathered here to reflect on this reality: the late chairman never expected that he would not complete his tenure. This can happen to any one of us, at any time, without notice.”
Governor Namadi reminded those in leadership that public office is a trust before God, and not a platform for personal gain.
“In whatever we do, we must always remember that there will be a day of reckoning, and there will be death. Those of us entrusted with responsibilities must discharge those responsibilities with the fear of Allah,” he told the gathering.
Warning against the dangers of self-interest in governance, the governor stated plainly: “Personal interest is the killer. In most cases, we are driven by personal interest, and we forget that the oath we took is before Allah. We are deceiving no one but ourselves if we break it.”
Governor Namadi also urged the new chairman to govern with humility, consult community stakeholders, and ensure that local government funds are used to serve the grassroots.
“Every indigene of Gumel Local Government is your responsibility, regardless of who they are,” he said. “Try and work with everyone you are supposed to work with. You are just coming in. No one is born with administrative qualities. But if you fear Allah, you will become a great administrator.”
He further emphasized the importance of accountability in financial management: “Remember, the finances of Gumel Local Government belong to the people of Gumel Local Government. Whatever comes in as revenue is meant to serve the people. You should make sure it is used for their benefit.”
The governor acknowledged the heavy burden of leadership: “As I sit here as Governor, if something happens, I must ensure try as much as possible that my personal interest does not influence my official actions as the Governor of Jigawa State.
“Because every citizen of Jigawa, regardless of political party or background, has rights under my leadership.”
The event was attended by senior government officials, traditional leaders, and members of the public who observed a moment of silence in honor of the late chairman.