Sani Usman-DanAbdullo, Director of Administration and General Services at the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA), has petitioned the State Assembly, seeking its intervention in an executive order issued by Governor Abba Yusuf. Â
In a letter dated January 6 and addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Jibrin Ismail Falgore, DanAbdullo recalled that the governor had, in January 2025, issued Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, extending the service period of certain civil servants beyond their retirement.
According to him, the order granted a two-year extension to the Head of Service, Assembly Clerk, judicial officers, Permanent Secretaries, and several staff members in the state’s health sector, despite their retirement due as of December 2024.
DanAbdullo pointed out that the state assembly had previously enacted a law setting the retirement age at 60 years or 35 years of service, whichever comes first. He, therefore, described the governor’s action as unconstitutional, arguing that:
“The House has already made laws which the order seeks to alter. The executive order is not meant to amend, modify, or expand the laws made by the legislature.”
Citing concerns over separation of powers, DanAbdullo warned that the executive order amounted to a violation of the rule of law.
“This act is a clear violation of the principles of rule of law and separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution. It is not only a blatant attempt to usurp the legislative powers of this Honourable House but also contradicts existing laws enacted by it.”
He also dismissed claims that the governor acted under the Doctrine of Necessity, stating that there was no justification for extending the tenure of retired officers when competent individuals were available for appointment.
“As for staff in the health sector, they can be retained on a contract basis in line with the existing service law of Kano State,” he added.
DanAbdullo further emphasized that constitutional provisions must not be undermined by executive decisions.
“I urge this esteemed House to employ all legal mechanisms at its disposal to overrule the governor’s decision, which, if allowed, will set a dangerous precedent capable of ruining the public service system of our dear state.”
Expressing frustration over the assembly’s silence on the matter, he issued a warning, “If the petition is not attended to, even if it means dismissing it, we will have no option but to go to court.”
