Kano State Chief Executive, Abba Yusuf, has rejigged his cabinet, scrapped the Chief of Staff (CoS) portfolio, and ejected the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Bichi.
The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Chief Executive’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, on Thursday.
As indicated by the statement, the reshuffle is part of Lead Representative Yusuf’s technique to realign his administration for “optimum performance” and convey “more dividends of democracy” to the people of Kano State.
“This is the first major reshuffle of my cabinet, and it takes immediate effect,” Lead Representative Yusuf stated. “The decision was made to enhance administrative performance and ensure a pragmatic political realignment that prioritizes the needs of Kano residents.”
The purge saw the ejection of the Chief of Staff, Shehu Sagagi, whose office has been abolished. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the SSG, was likewise dropped, allegedly due to health concerns.
Reassigned Portfolios
The reshuffle impacted several key ministries, with a few commissioners holding their positions while others were reassigned. Among those retained are:
– Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
– Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Commissioner for Agriculture
– Dr. Abubakar Labaran, Commissioner for Health
– Engr. Marwan Ahmad, Commissioner for Works and Housing
Significant reassignments include Deputy Chief Executive Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam, who moves from the Ministry of Local Government to the Ministry of Higher Education. Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman takes over Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata moves from Higher Education to Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Hon. Amina Abdullahi, previously overseeing Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, now heads the Ministry for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities. Honourable Aisha Lawal Saji transitions from the same ministry to Tourism and Culture.
Five Commissioners Dropped
The reshuffle also saw the removal of five commissioners:
– Ibrahim Jibril Fagge, Ministry of Finance
– Ladidi Ibrahim Garko, Ministry of Culture and Tourism
– Baba Halilu Dantiye, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs
– Shehu Aliyu Yammedi, Ministry of Special Duties
– Abbas Sani Abbas, Ministry of Rural and Community Development
The Chief Executive directed these former officials, alongside the former Chief of Staff, to answer to his office for conceivable reassignment.
Tending to journalists, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa stressed the Chief Executive’s obligation to improving governance. “This reshuffle reflects His Excellency’s resolve to ensure that his team is equipped to meet the aspirations of Kano people. Some members have been reassigned to areas where their expertise is needed most,” he said.
Political experts view the move as a striking endeavour to retool the administration for the difficulties ahead. Musa Bello, a public affairs commentator, depicted it as “a strategic step to weed out inefficiency and inject fresh energy into the cabinet.”
