Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has sworn in six new government aides, charging them to honour their oaths of office and work together to drive development across the state. The ceremony took place on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the Council Chamber of the Jigawa State Government House in Dutse, the state capital.
Swearing-In Ceremony Details
The Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Abdulkadir Fanini, conducted the ceremony in the presence of members of the State Executive Council and hundreds of family members and well-wishers. The appointees each signed oath of office forms before the governor after the ceremony.
Governor Namadi said the exercise was designed to reinforce the machinery of government. "This exercise is to strengthen the machineries of government towards a better Jigawa," he stated. He added that those chosen had been picked on merit and for their ties to the grassroots: "The appointees are of the grassroots and have been appointed on merit."
Governor's Charge to New Aides
The governor reminded the new officials of the weight of public service, saying their oath should serve as a constant guide. "I call on you to always remember your oath of office as it will surely guide you in the discharge of your duties," Namadi said. He also stressed the value of collaboration across government offices, urging them to "work in teams for better results that will positively impact the lives of our people."
Those sworn in include Muftahu Majia as Technical Adviser on Higher Education, Salma Wakili as Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship, Adamu Garkuwa as Special Adviser on Hajj Affairs, and Mubarak Aliyu as Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs. Musbahu Kaugama was named Special Adviser on Special Investment, while Bala Sule was appointed Special Adviser on Non-Governmental Organisations.
Appointees Pledge Loyalty and Fresh Ideas
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Majia thanked the governor for the confidence placed in the new team. "We thank His Excellency for the confidence reposed in us. We will not betray this trust. We are committed to teamwork, dedication and service delivery in line with the vision of a better Jigawa," Majia said. He also indicated that the appointees intended to bring new perspectives to their roles, adding that "we will use our positions to support policies that will promote education, investment and community development across the state."
Context: Recent Appointments in Other States
This development comes amid a wave of political appointments in Nigeria. Recall that Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State dropped eight Special Advisers just two days after sacking six commissioners. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governor simultaneously named nine new Special Advisers with portfolios spread across the state's 13 local government areas. The Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Shuaibu Magaji Labaran, issued the official statement.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum approved the appointment of four Special Advisers and one Senior Technical Assistant. The new political appointments were made under Section 196(1) of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution to strengthen governance in Borno State. Governor Zulum urged the five new appointees to use their expertise to rebuild communities and consolidate peace across the state.
These appointments reflect broader efforts by governors to bolster their administrative teams as the 2027 general elections approach. The Jigawa State government's focus on grassroots representation and merit-based selection underscores a commitment to effective governance and service delivery.
