Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has revealed that he reads his oath of office every day as a personal reminder of the weight of public service and his responsibility to the people, stressing that leadership is a divine trust, not a license for self-enrichment.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the new chairman of Gumel Local Government, held at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Dutse, Namadi urged all public officials to reflect deeply on the spiritual and moral implications of their positions.
“If you go to my office today, you’ll find that same oath placed on my desk. I have kept it there intentionally,” the governor said. “Every time I look at it, I remind myself of the bond between me and the people of Jigawa State.”
He advised the new chairman to adopt the same practice, emphasizing, “When you arrive in the morning, read it before you sit down at your table. That oath is heavy.”
The new chairman was sworn in following the sudden death of his predecessor. Governor Namadi used the moment to urge sober reflection among public servants.
“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,” he said.
He warned against the dangers of self-interest in leadership, declaring, “Personal interest is the killer. In most cases, we are driven by personal interest and forget that the oath we took is before Allah. We are deceiving no one but ourselves if we break it.”
Governor Namadi stressed that public office must be seen as a sacred responsibility, urging leaders to serve with humility, transparency, and fear of God.
“In whatever we do, we must always remember that there will be a day of reckoning. Those of us entrusted with responsibilities must discharge them with the fear of Allah,” he said.
Addressing the new chairman directly, the governor said, “Every indigene of Gumel Local Government is your responsibility, regardless of who they are. Try and work with everyone. No one is born with administrative qualities. But if you fear Allah, you will become a great administrator.”
He also warned that public funds must not be misused: “The finances of Gumel Local Government belong to the people. Whatever comes in as revenue is meant to serve them.”
Namadi concluded by reaffirming his own commitment to impartial governance: “Every citizen of Jigawa, regardless of political party or background, has rights under my leadership. I must do my best to ensure that personal interest does not influence my decisions.”
The ceremony 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.
