Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa has threatened to jail newly elected local council chairpersons and their deputies over land “allocation and distribution.”

“Let me make it clear to you that land issue is a sole responsibility of the government, unless the governor authorises you, stay away from land allocation and distribution, else you go to jail,” Mr Namadi told the chairs and deputies at their inauguration on Monday in Dutse.

He also urged the new officials to always remain in their respective councils to enable them to serve their people effectively.

The governor warned that his administration would not condone council chairs living outside their duty posts.

“You must remain in your LGAs because the era of living in Kano or Dutse will no longer be tolerated.

“You must remain in your duty posts no matter the condition and do your best to serve you people well,” the governor added.

Mr Namadi further reminded the chairs that their assumption of office is based on trust, adding that they would account to God how they governed their people on the day of judgment.

“I urge you to govern with utmost fear of God, take care of the people at the grassroots, govern with transparency and honesty, as the resources at your disposal belong to the people,” he said.

While wishing the officials a successful tenure in office, Mr Namadi advised them to carry everyone along when discharging their duties.

The APC swept all 27 chairmanship and 282 councillorship seats in the state’s October 5 LG polls.

The Accord Party (AP) clinched four councillorship seats, while APGA won one councillorship seat in the election.

Muhammad Uba, the chairman of Birninkudu Local Government Council, who spoke on behalf of others, commended the governor for his support.

(NAN)