 in Jigawa State has strongly criticized the Chairman of Buji Local Government Area, Najibulla Falalu Tukur.){kind=link}
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State has strongly criticized the Chairman of Buji Local Government Area, Najibulla Falalu Tukur.
This came after a viral video showed him distributing what appeared to be single packets of Indomie noodles and N1,000 cash to residents as part of a relief effort.
The video, which surfaced on social media shortly before the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, sparked widespread reactions, particularly on Facebook.
It captured scenes of individuals receiving minimal handouts, prompting many to question the intent and dignity of the gesture.
In a statement released on Monday in Dutse, the state capital, PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Umar Kyari, described the council chairman’s actions as “politically immature” and “demeaning,” arguing that it reflected poorly on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We watched the video and were deeply disappointed. This act only highlights the hunger and desperation APC has brought upon Nigerians,” Kyari stated.
He further criticized the silence of APC leaders on the matter, accusing them of lacking empathy for the suffering masses.
He called on residents of the state to support the PDP in its mission to restore dignity and responsible governance in Jigawa.
“We will not stand by while our people are treated with disrespect. This type of outdated, insensitive politics must end,” he added.
While extending warm wishes to Muslims for a peaceful Eid celebration, the PDP also offered prayers for the safe return of pilgrims and a fruitful farming season.
Meanwhile, the council chairman has responded to the criticism, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the viral footage.
Speaking through his Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Safiyanu, during a phone interview, Tukur maintained that the event was a well-intentioned social welfare initiative targeted at over 3,000 beneficiaries.
According to Safiyanu, the beneficiaries, including widows, youth, religious leaders, and vulnerable families, were initially selected to receive more substantial support—such as 25kg bags of rice, cartons of pasta, and cash gifts ranging from N5,000 to N20,000.
He explained that the controversial clip only captured a moment when unregistered individuals arrived unexpectedly, and the chairman opted to share the leftover items with them rather than turn them away empty-handed.
“The chairman decided to accommodate those who came late, even if it meant giving smaller portions. It was a spontaneous decision made out of compassion, not meant to embarrass anyone,” he said.
He also dismissed the backlash as a deliberate attempt by political opponents to misrepresent the facts and stir public outrage.
“No one was disrespected. The video is being misused by people with ulterior motives,” Safiyanu insisted.
The incident has reignited public discourse around political accountability and the quality of leadership in Jigawa State, with many calling for more transparency and dignity in handling welfare initiatives.