By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, on Wednesday received a delegation of prominent Islamic clerics led by the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari, at the Government House in Dutse.
The courtesy visit, which took place at the Conference Hall of the Government House, brought together Islamic scholars and religious leaders who expressed their appreciation for the governor’s administration and its efforts towards promoting development, peace and good governance in Jigawa State.
The visit was part of a series of engagements between the state government and Islamic scholars aimed at strengthening cooperation between government and religious institutions in promoting peace, unity, moral values and the socio-economic development of the state.
Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari, who led the delegation, is a respected Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja. His visit to the state was seen as an opportunity for the clerics to interact with Governor Namadi on issues concerning religion, governance and the welfare of the people.
During the engagement, the clerics also acknowledged the importance of supporting programmes and policies capable of improving the lives of citizens, particularly in areas of education, agriculture, youth empowerment, social development and religious harmony.
The delegation’s visit came on the same day another group of Islamic scholars and members of the Tijjaniyya Islamic order also visited Governor Namadi.
The two separate engagements reportedly provided an opportunity for the religious leaders to demonstrate their solidarity with the governor and his administration, while expressing their readiness to support his political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Tijjaniyya delegation, in particular, pledged its support for Governor Namadi’s bid for a second term in office, promising to mobilise its members and supporters towards ensuring the continuity of his administration.
The clerics maintained that continuity in governance was important for sustaining development projects and policies already initiated by the administration, urging the people of Jigawa State to continue to support programmes that would promote peace, economic growth and the welfare of citizens.
The development is coming as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various groups and stakeholders beginning to declare their positions on candidates and political parties.
Governor Namadi, who assumed office in 2023, has consistently emphasised agriculture, human capital development, infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic empowerment as major priorities of his administration.
The governor’s engagement with the Islamic scholars also underscored the influential role of religious leaders in maintaining peace and stability in Jigawa State, particularly through the promotion of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship.
The meeting ended with prayers for peace, progress and prosperity in Jigawa State and Nigeria, as well as for the success of the governor’s administration.
The support expressed by the Islamic clerics and the Tijjaniyya delegation is expected to further shape the political atmosphere in Jigawa ahead of the 2027 elections, although the elections remain some months away.
