In a recent development, Kano State Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf has reassigned several top officials, heightening tensions within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Daily Nigerian reports.
The reshuffle, announced in a circular dated November 4, 2024, and signed by Permanent Secretary Umar Jalo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, included the transfer of Aminu Kura, formerly the Permanent Secretary of Special Duties in the Office of the Deputy Governor, and Ibrahim Kabara, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Kura has been moved to the Office of the Head of Service without a designated portfolio, while Kabara has been reassigned to the Ministry of Special Duties—a move described by observers as “arid.”
In their places, Sadi Ibrahim was appointed as Permanent Secretary for Special Duties in the Office of the Deputy Governor, and Musbahu Badawi was assigned as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“This reshuffle may appear as a routine civil service adjustment, but it’s clear there’s more beneath the surface,” said a source familiar with the situation.
The deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam, who also serves as Commissioner for Local Government, was reportedly not consulted on the changes.
“The tradition is that the Deputy Governor’s Office selects top civil servants to work under him and seeks the governor’s approval. But in this case, he was completely bypassed,” the source disclosed.
The situation has intensified tensions within the NNPP, particularly amid reports of a strained relationship between Governor Yusuf and the party’s national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Speculations of internal discord have further escalated following a recent scandal involving Novomed, a pharmaceutical company owned by Musa Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of the party’s national leader.
Novomed has been accused of malpractice in drug procurement, an incident that has reportedly influenced the governor’s decision to limit his deputy’s control over local government affairs.
Political analysts view the reshuffle as an effort to reduce Abdussalam’s influence within the local government sector. “This move appears aimed at diminishing the deputy governor’s authority over local government matters,” noted one observer.
Further reports suggest that the affected officials may have been linked to the Novomed scandal, with a source mentioning that the Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaints Commission is investigating the alleged misconduct.
As of the time of filing this report, the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakintofa, was unavailable for comment.
