Governor Namadi’s Two Weeks Vacation Overseas Cripples State Functions in Jigawa
By Dahiru Suleiman, Dutse
Government, private and business activities are at a standstill following the absence of Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi who is on vacation overseas.
DAYLIGHT REPORTERS observed that most of the Commissioners have deserted the state leaving official functions crippled.
The absence of the Governor and commissioners left civil servants only running skeletal services due to lack even the minute approvals to carry out normal duties.
Since the Governor went on leave, a major activity carried out by the Deputy Governor who is acting was when a former President, Muhammadu Buhari visited on condolence over the tanker explosion in Majiya that killed over 100 persons and injured many. Buhari donated N10million in aid of the family of the deceased and injured.
Also, the Governor’s absence has stalled the implementation of the approved N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants few days before his Leave.
Lack of a specified implementation timeline has left many workers wondering if they will receive arrears once the payment begins as the governor was silent on details of the implementation sparking concerns across the workforce.
A primary school teacher voiced gratitude but questioned the delay, saying, “It’s great that the minimum wage has been approved, but when will it actually start? This feels like half-information. The President approved the federal minimum wage months ago, yet federal employees haven’t received it. Is this just another promise?”
Attempts to clarify the timeline from the Jigawa State Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammed Dagacire were unsuccessful, as he was reportedly out of the state on official duty.
However, a source within the office, who requested anonymity, mentioned that the Accountant General’s office is responsible for salary preparation and payments, as instructed by the Governor.
When contacted, the state’s Accountant General, Alhaji Abdullahi SG Shehu, explained that his office awaits directives: “I am not in a position to say when the new salary will commence. My responsibility is to execute payments once I receive the order.”
Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunusi Alhassan, confirmed that no formal agreement had been signed regarding the wage increase.
