Governor Suspends Head Of Service With Immediate Effect, Appoints Replacement
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has suspended the acting Head of Service, Salisu Mustapha, effective immediately, due to allegations of unauthorized salary deductions and non-payment of wages affecting certain civil servants. In his place, Malam Umar Muhammad Jalo, the Permanent Secretary of the Reform, Establishment, and Pension Affairs (REPA), has been appointed as the new acting Head of Service. This move aims to facilitate an unhindered investigation into the reported irregularities. To expedite this process, an investigative committee led by Abdulkadir Abdussalam has been established, with a mandate to uncover the root causes of these issues and submit its findings within seven days. Governor Yusuf has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards financial malpractice, warning that any individuals found culpable will face severe consequences. It's noteworthy that Salisu Mustapha's appointment as acting Head of Service occurred earlier this month, following the medical leave of the substantive Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, who is currently receiving treatment in India.
This suspension follows a significant cabinet reshuffle in December 2024, where Governor Yusuf dismissed several top officials, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, and five commissioners. The reshuffle aimed to enhance administrative performance and realign the political structure of the state government. Notably, the office of the Chief of Staff was abolished during this reorganization.
These actions reflect Governor Yusuf's commitment to addressing administrative inefficiencies and ensuring accountability within the state's civil service.
