Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has issued a stern warning to local government chairmen in the state regarding their frequent absenteeism from duty. This announcement follows his recent surprise inspections at various local government secretariats, where he found many chairmen and senior officials absent from their posts.

During these visits, Governor Namadi expressed his disappointment, highlighting the critical role local government chairmen play in serving their constituents. He emphasized that these officials are elected to be accessible and responsive to the needs of the people, stating, "Local government councils are the closest government to the grassroots. The chairmen must remain on ground and listen to the demands of the people for necessary action."

The governor has announced plans to summon all 27 local government chairmen for a meeting aimed at addressing this issue directly. He intends to remind them of their responsibilities and the importance of being present in their offices. Namadi warned that the state government would not condone what he termed "undemocratic behaviour" and that appropriate measures would be taken against any chairman who neglects their duties.

This is not the first time Governor Namadi has raised concerns about absenteeism among local government officials. He recalled that during the swearing-in ceremony of the chairmen in 2025, he had previously cautioned them against administering their councils from outside the secretariat. The governor's commitment to ensuring effective administration at the grassroots level underscores the importance of local governance in addressing community needs.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the chairmen will respond to this warning and whether the governor's measures will lead to improved attendance and accountability within the local government structures in Jigawa State.