7th November, 2024
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Kano state Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, on Wednesday, denied insinuations that the re-posting of the Permanent Secretary in the office of the Deputy Governor, was politically motivated.
Our Correspondent reports that there have been speculations on the insinuating power play between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
Specifically, a viral post on the social media had indicated that significant changes by the Governor to his administration with the reassigning of top officials has heightened tensions within the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano state.
The reshuffle announced on November 4, 2024, affects Aminu Kura and Ibrahim Kabara, who have been transferred to new roles. While Aminu Kura was moved from Permanent Secretary of Special Duties in the Office of the Deputy Governor to the Office of the Head of Service without a designated portfolio, Ibrahim Kabara was reassigned from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to the Ministry of Special Duties.
Subsequently, Sadi Ibrahim was appointed Permanent Secretary for Special Duties in the Office of the Deputy Governor while Musbahu Badawi was assigned Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“According to sources, this reshuffle may seem routine but has deeper implications. The Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, was allegedly not consulted on the changes, which is unusual since his office typically selects top Civil Servants and seeks the Governor’s approval.
“The move has intensified tensions within the NNPP, particularly given the strained relationship between Governor Yusuf and party national leader Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. The recent Novomed scandal, involving a Pharmaceutical Company owned by Kwankwaso’s nephew, has further fueled speculation of internal discord.
“Analysts believe the reshuffle aims to reduce Abdussalam’s influence over Local Government affairs. The Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaints Commission is reportedly investigating the affected officials’ potential links to the Novomed scandal,” according to the speculations.
But reacting to the Social Media report, the Head of Service in a Statement he personally signed said: “The attention of the Office of the Head of Civil Service, Kano State has been drawn to a news story concocted and published by an online news source linking the recent posting of Permanent Secretaries and Directors in the state civil service to a fallacious rift in the ranks of the ruling party in the state.
” The office of the Head of Service, responsible for the recent posting, all other postings and all matters that affect civil servants in the state, categorically refutes the story in its entirety as untrue, false, mischievous and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and cause disaffection within the administration and top government functionaries.
“To set the record straight, the posting of these senior civil service officials is part of a standard administrative routine aimed at enhancing efficiency within the state’s civil service and to fill the vacancies as a result of the imminent retirements of Permanent Secretaries and Directors affected by the annulled tenure elongation exercise scheduled for December. This routine posting involved multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and was in no way influenced by any perceived wrongdoing, political considerations or interpersonal issues.
” The allegation suggesting that these routine postings are a reaction to a political rift is purely a figment of the author’s imagination and represents a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. Such baseless insinuations are designed to create disaffection among the governor, his deputy, their supporters, and the broader public, and to sow discord within the ruling party.
“The Office of the Head of Civil Service remains committed to ensuring the smooth operation of the civil service and maintaining a harmonious and productive relationship among all branches of leadership.
“The civil service in Kano State is apolitical and will continue to remain so. The public and media outlets are therefore urged to focus on verified information and not to give credence to rumors aimed at undermining the stability and progress of our state.”
