KEY POINTS
- Governor Yusuf scraps Kano’s Chief of Staff position, reshuffles cabinet.
- Five commissioners dropped, others reassigned for better governance.
- Major administrative shake-up aimed at driving democracy dividends.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has announced a major cabinet reshuffle aimed at improving governance and administrative efficiency.
The changes, which were disclosed in a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, include scrapping the Chief of Staff position, reassigning commissioners, and dropping several key officials.
According to Punch, Governor Yusuf described the move as essential to improving performance and delivering on the promises of his administration.
Moreover, he emphasized that the new structure would enhance administrative efficiency and bring more dividends of democracy to the people of Kano.
“The much-awaited decision is to ensure optimal performance that will drive more dividends of democracy to the good people of Kano state,” Dawakin-Tofa said.
Among the most notable changes is the removal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Bichi, who was relieved of his duties on health grounds. Additionally, the Chief of Staff, Shehu Sagagi, has been relieved of his role as the position itself was scrapped.
Key cabinet members retained, while others face reassignment
Despite the sweeping changes, several commissioners retained their positions. Notably, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, will continue in their roles.
Others who retained their positions include: Danjuma Mahmoud – Commissioner for Agriculture, Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar – Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Musa Shannon – Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Engr. Marwan Ahmad – Commissioner for Works and Housing
Several commissioners were reassigned to new ministries. For instance, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulssalam, who was previously overseeing the Ministry of Local Government, has been moved to the Ministry of Higher Education.
Similarly, Muhammad Tajo Usman was transferred from the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Other notable changes include: Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata – From Higher Education to Science, Technology, and Innovation, Amina Abdullahi – From Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to the Ministry for Women, Children, and Disabled Persons, Nasiru Sule Garo – From Environment and Climate Change to the Ministry of Special Duties and Ali Haruna Makoda – From Water Resources to the Ministry of Education
These changes signal a strategic reorganization of key ministries, which the governor believes will enable his administration to deliver better results for Kano’s residents.
Five cabinet members dropped, others await reassignment
In addition to the reshuffling and reassignments, five commissioners were dropped from the cabinet altogether.
The affected officials include: Ibrahim Jibril Fagge – Commissioner for Finance, Ladidi Ibrahim Garko – Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Baba Halilu Dantiye – Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Shehu Aliyu Yammedi – Commissioner for Special Duties, Abbas Sani Abbas – Commissioner for Rural and Community Development
These former commissioners have been directed to report to the governor’s office for potential reassignment. The governor’s decision reflects a broader strategy to reorganize Kano’s executive arm and ensure that key government offices are held by individuals who can effectively deliver on the administration’s goals.
Governor Yusuf’s decision to scrap the Chief of Staff position altogether signals a shift in the power structure of his administration. By removing this role, the governor may be seeking to streamline decision-making and foster a more efficient executive process.
