Former councillors honour Defence Minister Badaru for outstanding leadership in Jigawa
Former local government councillors in Jigawa State have paid glowing tribute to the Honourable Minister of Defence and former governor of the state, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to grassroots development.
The accolades came during a courtesy visit by the Forum of Elected Former Councillors to the Minister at his residence in Kano on Friday.
The Forum, comprising councillors who served during Badaru’s tenure as governor, honoured him with a special plaque of appreciation, citing his historic intervention in clearing severance entitlements owed to local government officials between 1999 and 2023.
Presenting the award, the Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Mustafá Isyaku Sholy, described Badaru as a trailblazer in governance and a leader who fulfilled promises many thought impossible.
He lauded the former governor for being the first in Jigawa’s history to comprehensively address the long-standing issue of severance allowances for grassroots politicians.
“This gesture not only brought dignity to our service but also set a new standard for future administrations,” Sholy said, noting that the Forum remains deeply grateful for Badaru’s support and legacy of inclusive leadership.
Beyond the commendations, the former councillors reaffirmed their loyalty to the Defence Minister and pledged to support him in his political journey both within Jigawa State and at the national level.
Also in attendance were Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo, the Member representing Hadejia Constituency in the Jigawa State House of Assembly, and Alhaji Ahmed Rufai Gumel, former Chairman of Gumel Local Government, among other dignitaries.
Badaru, who governed Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023, was appointed Minister of Defence by President Bola Tinubu and has since continued to receive commendations for his leadership style, especially from his home state.
