Gov Yusuf Reshuffles Cabinet, Removes Chief of Staff and Five Commissioners

Governor Yusuf of Nigeria has reshuffled his cabinet, relieving the Chief of Staff and five commissioners of their duties, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve efficiency.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has undertaken a cabinet reshuffle, eliminating the Chief of Staff (CoS) position and dismissing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Bichi.

This development was disclosed during a press conference held by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, on Thursday.

The statement indicated that this reshuffle is part of Governor Yusuf’s initiative to realign his administration for “optimum performance” and to provide “greater dividends of democracy” to the citizens of Kano State.

“This marks the first significant reshuffle of my cabinet, and it is effective immediately,” Governor Yusuf remarked. “The decision aims to improve administrative efficiency and to ensure a practical political realignment that addresses the needs of the residents of Kano.”

The restructuring resulted in the dismissal of Chief of Staff Shehu Sagagi, with the position being abolished. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the SSG, was also removed, reportedly for health-related reasons.

Reassigned Portfolios
The reshuffle impacted several important ministries, with some commissioners maintaining their roles while others were reassigned. Those retaining their positions include:

– 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

Notable reassignments include Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam, who transitions from the Ministry of Local Government to the Ministry of Higher Education. Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman will now oversee Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata shifts from Higher Education to Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Hon. Amina Abdullahi, who previously managed Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, will now lead the Ministry for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities. Hon. Aisha Lawal Saji moves from the same ministry to Tourism and Culture.

Five Commissioners Removed
The recent reshuffle resulted in the dismissal 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 Governor has instructed these former officials, along with the previous Chief of Staff, to report to his office for potential reassignment.

In a statement to the press, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa highlighted the Governor’s dedication to enhancing governance. “This reshuffle demonstrates His Excellency’s determination to ensure that his team is well-prepared to fulfill the expectations of the people of Kano. Some members have been reassigned to positions where their skills are most required,” he stated.

Political analysts interpret this action as a decisive effort to recalibrate the administration in anticipation of future challenges. Musa Bello, a commentator on public affairs, characterized it as “a strategic initiative to eliminate inefficiency and infuse new vigor into the cabinet.”