“Everyone has their own ways of expression. I believe we all have a lot to say, but finding ways to say it is more than half the battle.”
— Criss Jami
It is habitual at the beginning of every year for individuals across the globe to wish themselves well and send goodwill messages to loved ones. This is even more expected from political office holders. In recent days, we have read, heard, and seen, across print, electronic, news, social, and online media, senators, ministers, and governors delivering New Year messages, freeing inmates, offering personal scholarships, giving Christmas/end of the year bonus, etc and reflecting on the shortcomings of the previous year (2025), and promising better outcomes in 2026.
However, in Jigawa State, the case appears to be different, as we have not heard anything from the government’s side.
Though the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly sent a felicitation message to the people of Jigawa, it was a message from the legislature that did not showcase the state government’s achievements in the year 2025. Nevertheless, the Speaker should be commended for making the effort to reach out to the people.
What went wrong? Is it because of the governor’s absence from the country? Or because the deputy governor was not assigned to take charge of the affairs of the state? Or is it that the APC-led government has no concern for its people? Let me also ask: is it because the state governor, Malam Umar Namadi (FCA), has not realised that he is expected to deliver the dividends of democracy to the state?
My governor, there is a need to follow the positive example set by other governors in their respective states by addressing the people of Jigawa, or by giving a mandate and full responsibility to the deputy governor to act in your absence, especially at crucial moments like this, which require showing concern to the electorate.
I believe there were some hitches, obstacles, lapses, and setbacks witnessed or recorded in the year 2025. However, what measures were put in place to let the people of Jigawa know that the government has identified these issues and is ready to make amendments?
Let the state government state publicly what has been achieved so far, and allow the people of the state to make their own assessments and evaluations. From this benchmark or yardstick, we can then determine whether Dan Modi will serve a single four-year term (2023–2027) or a second term—four plus four (2023–2031).
Let Jigawa keep working.
Let Jigawa keep moving.
Let Jigawa keep uniting.
Let Jigawa keep progressing.
Let Jigawa keep harmonising.
Let Jigawa keep competing.
Let Jigawa keep perfecting and excelling.
Jigawa of my dreams.
Adamu writes from Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State.