By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kano State Government has undertaken a major cabinet reshuffle, scrapping the office of the Chief of Staff, Bala Sagagi, and removing the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Baffa Bichi, reportedly due to health challenges.
As part of the changes, Deputy Governor Abdussalam Gwarzo has been reassigned from his role as Commissioner for Local Government to that of Higher Education.
Announcing the reshuffle on Thursday, the Director General of Media, Sunusi Dawakintofa, stated that the move aims to optimize performance and reposition the administration for greater efficiency.
Key Changes in the Cabinet
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf outlined the reshuffle as a pragmatic step for political and administrative realignment.
- Roles Scrapped and Officials Removed:
- Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi: Office abolished.
- Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi: Removed due to health reasons.
- Cabinet Members Retained:
- Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice: Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi.
- Commissioner for Agriculture: Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud.
- Commissioner for Health: Dr. Abubakar Labaran.
- Commissioner for Works and Housing: Engr. Marwan Ahmad.
- Other retained commissioners include those for Lands and Physical Planning, Solid Minerals, Religious Affairs, Youth and Sports, Investment, and Internal Security.
- Reassignments:
- Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam: Moved from the Ministry of Local Government to Higher Education.
- Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman: From Science and Technology to Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
- Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata: From Higher Education to Science, Technology, and Innovation.
- Hon. Amina Abdullahi: From Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to Women, Children, and Disabilities.
- Other key reassigned commissioners include those for Environment, Transport, Education, and Project Monitoring.
- Dropped Commissioners:
- Ibrahim Jibril Fagge: Finance.
- Ladidi Ibrahim Garko: Culture and Tourism.
- Baba Halilu Dantiye: Information and Internal Affairs.
- Shehu Aliyu Yammedi: Special Duties.
- Abbas Sani Abbas: Rural and Community Development.
The Governor has directed the Chief of Staff and the dropped commissioners to report to his office for potential reassignment.
This reshuffle marks a significant political and administrative overhaul aimed at reinvigorating the Kano State Executive Council.