KANO, Nigeria – Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Nigeria, issued a decree on Monday, May 22, 2023, mandating all Public Officers holding political appointments to relinquish their posts.
The order, with its apparent element of surprise, is thought to reflect the Governor’s intent to revamp and streamline the state’s public administration.
The directive was formally communicated through a statement titled “Handover of Activities,” issued by the Secretary to the State Government’s office and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Bilkisu Maimota.
“Governor Ganduje has instructed all Commissioners, Special Advisers, Chief Executives of Parastatals/Government-owned Companies, and other political appointees to hand over their responsibilities to the Permanent Secretaries and Director of Administration and General Services in their respective establishments,” Maimota said in her statement.
The Governor’s directive includes the transfer of all government properties in the possession of the appointees to either Permanent Secretaries or Directors of Administration & General Services/Directors Personnel Management, DPM, depending on their department, by May 26, 2023.
Governor Ganduje also made it clear that he expects the political appointees to deliver copies of their handover notes to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for official records.
“This is a time for consolidation and strategic planning. The Governor is merely facilitating an environment for a more efficient and effective government. It’s in the interest of the state,” said an insider, who wished to remain anonymous.
The repercussions of this unprecedented move are yet to be seen, but the state’s political landscape is undoubtedly in for some significant reshuffling.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
