Rita Odafe
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is experiencing significant turmoil as Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State implements major administrative changes.
In these changes, Aminu Kura, who previously held the position of permanent secretary for Special Duties in the Deputy Governor’s Office, and Ibrahim Kabara, who served in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, have been reassigned.
The Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam, also occupies the commissioner role in Local Government.
Kabara has been moved to the Ministry of Special Duties, while Kura’s new role is in the Office of the Head of Service, though without an assigned portfolio.
To fill the vacancies created, Governor Yusuf appointed Sadi Ibrahim as the new permanent secretary for Special Duties in the Deputy Governor’s Office, and Musbahu Badawi as the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Furthermore, Aminu Kabara and Jamilu Muhd, who were directors of Salary & Wages and Recruitment & Training, respectively, in the Ministry of Local Government, have been reassigned to the Office of the Head of Service.
While these changes might seem to be a standard administrative move, insiders indicate that they are influenced by rising internal conflicts within the NNPP, particularly the deteriorating relationship between Governor Yusuf and the party’s national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
This discord has been worsened by a scandal involving Novomed, a pharmaceutical firm linked to Kwankwaso’s nephew, Musa Garba Kwankwaso.
Analysts suggest that these reassignments may be a strategic decision to limit the deputy governor’s control over local government issues.
Details of the reshuffle were communicated in a circular dated November 4, 2024, which was signed by Umar Jalo, the permanent secretary for Establishment in the Head of Civil Service’s Office.
According to a reliable source quoted by Daily Nigerian, the deputy governor was not included in the discussions regarding these changes, which is unusual as the tradition typically allows the Deputy Governor’s Office to recommend civil servant appointments for the governor’s consideration.
“This alteration highlights the increasing divide between the governor and his deputy,” the source noted.
Additionally, there are claims that the officials affected by these reassessments were implicated in the Novomed scandal, as suggested by findings from the Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaint Commission.
