Tag: Abba Yusuf

Kano Governor Abba Yusuf has signed into law a budget of N719,755,417,663.00 for the 2025 fiscal year.

A breakdown of the budget shows recurrent expenditure of N262,670,660,562.68, representing 36 percent and Capital Expenditure of N262,670,660,562.68, representing 64 percent.

The Governor had proposed N549,160,417,663.00  with recurrent and capital expenditure receiving 43 percent and 57 percent, respectively.

But the Kano Assembly jerked it up to N719,755,417,663.00, increasing the Appropriation Law by N170,595,000,000.00.

Speaker Jibril Ismail Falgore explained that the lawmakers had engaged all MDAs for bilateral discussion to defend their proposals and conducted Public Hearing where public inputs were received and integrated into the budget.

“While undertaking our constitutional duties, the total request for additional funding arising from bilateral discussion with MDAs as well as those that came through Public Hearing and to which we have endorsed, stand at N170,595,000,000.00.

“This further brings the new budget size to stand at N719,755,417,663.00 with recurrent and capital expenditure receiving 36 percent and 64 percent respectively,” the Speaker said.

The budget is to be sourced from the recovery of the Unremitted Oil Revenue (Refund to State Government), Value Added Tax, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and other grants from the Federal Government.

Read Also: FG exploring livestock potentials for Nigeria’s economic growth – Minister

Speaking after giving assent to the 2025 budget in Government House, Yusuf noted that the development reflects the collective commitment of his administration to making Kano a better state, through investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation.

He tagged the appropriation law “Budget of Hope, Capital Development and Economic Growth,” saying it aims at empowering communities to stimulate economic growth in the state.

According to him, the budget prioritises education, health and agriculture so as to create opportunities for all Kano people.

“Our plan is to build a more peaceful and prosperous state,” he said, thanking the state lawmakers for giving the budget accelerated hearing and passing it on time.

Governor Abba Yusuf has reintroduced routine immunisation services in Kano State, reversing an 18-month suspension under the previous administration.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf described the move as part of his commitment to safeguarding the health and lives of newborns across the state.

“From the start of his tenure in 2023, Governor Yusuf prioritised maternal and child health, expressing grave concern over the suspension of immunization programs by the former government.

“The governor has promptly ordered the immediate restoration of the essential services and guaranteed timely funding for all immunisation exercises at both the state and federal levels.

“During the launch of the second phase of the 2024 Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNCH) Week, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality in Kano,” the statement said.

Read Also: Protest rocks Osun as pensioners demand N18,000 minimum wage 

According to the governor, “health is our second priority after education. Within this sector, we are focusing on maternal and child health to prevent the avoidable loss of lives among pregnant women and their children.”

The governor’s spokesman highlighted that the 2024 state budget includes robust provisions for immunisation services, ensuring sustainability and accessibility for all.

“Governor Yusuf’s intervention reflects his administration’s resolve to address pressing healthcare challenges and improve the lives of Kano’s most vulnerable residents,” the statement said.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Friday announced the appointment of his sacked Chief of Staff (CoS), Shehu Wada Sagagi, as secretary of the Kano State Shura Council.

The governor appointed Professor Shehu Galadanci as chairman, with Professor Muhammad Sani Zahraddeen serving as Vice Chairman of the 46-member Shura council.

The Shura Council is the apex socio-religious body and is expected to play a key role in promoting peace, unity, and development across the state.

Other top ranking members of Shura Council include Sheikh Abdulwahhab Abdallah, Sheikh Karibullah Nasiru Kabara, Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar and Sheikh Tijjani Bala Kalarawi.

The governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Sunusi Bature, said the council is comprised of renowned Islamic scholars, respected academics, and notable community leaders.

Read Also: FG unveils 2025 strategic focus for Nigerian youths

The Shura Council is tasked with providing expert advice to the government on critical socio-economic and religious matters.

“Prominent members also include Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Professor Salisu Shehu, Dr. Muhammad Borodo, and Khalifa Hassan Kafinga, among others.

“The council’s Secretary and Head of Secretariat, Gani Shehu Wada Sagagi, will oversee its operations to ensure efficiency and smooth coordination.

“This initiative, aimed at fostering collaboration between the government and diverse stakeholders, reflects Governor Yusuf’s commitment to inclusive governance and respect for Kano’s cultural and religious institutions,” the statement said.

• SSG, CoS, five commissioners gone

Anxiety gripped Kano State yesterday following the removal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, and the Chief of Staff (CoS), Shehu Wada Sagagi, by Governor Abba Yusuf.

The governor, who also scrapped the Office of the CoS in the major cabinet reshuffle,   sacked five commissioners.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bature Sanusi, said the SSG was dropped from the State Executive Council on health grounds.

He said the reshuffle became necessary to enhance performance and retool the administration.

The commissioners dropped by Yusuf are  Ibrahim Jibril Fagge (Finance), Ladidi Ibrahim Garki (Culture and Tourism); Baba Halilu Dantiye (Information and Internal Affairs); Shehu Aliyu  Yammedi (Special Duties), and Abbas Sani Abbas(Rural and Community Development).

The commissioners retained in their positions are Haruna Isa Dederi (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice); Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud (Agriculture); Dr. Abubakar Labaran (Health); Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar (Land and Physical Development); Musa Suleiman Shannon (Budget and Planning); and Marwan Ahmad (Works and Housing.)

Also retained are Sefiyanu Hamza (Solid and Mineral Resources); Shiekh Ahmad Tijani Auwal (Religious Affairs); Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso (Youths and Sports); Adamu Aliyu Kibiya (Investment and Commerce) and Major General Mohammad Inuwa Idris Rtd (Internal Security and Special Services).

Yusuf also reassigned the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulssalam, who had been overseeing the Ministry of Local Government, to the Ministry of Higher Education while Mohammad Tajo Usman was moved from the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata was moved from Higher Education to Science, Technology, and Innovation; Amina Abdullahi from Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to Ministry for Women, Children, and Disable; and Nasiru Sule Garo, from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to Ministry of Special Duties.

The Commissioner for Project Monitory and Evaluation, Ibrahim Namadi, was moved to the Ministry of Transport, while Umar Haruna Doguwa of the Ministry of Education is now the Commissioner for Water Resources.

Read Also: BREAKING: Kano governor sacks SSG, five commissioners

Also reassigned are Ali Haruna Makoda who was moved from Water Resources to the Ministry of Education; Aisha Lawal Saji from the Ministry of Women, Children and Disabled to Tourism and Culture, and Muhammad Diggol from Transport to the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

The governor said the reshuffle was meant “to effect pragmatic political realignment, adding that ‘’This decision will enable optimum performance that will drive more dividends of democracy to the people of Kano State.”

Sources said that the reshuffle manifested the division in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and lack of cohesion in government.

Although Dr. Bichi, who was said to be down with a stroke, had recovered.

According to sources, Bichi was recommended for a sack by the party leader and godfather, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

However, while Muhammad Diggol, was commissioner of Transport, was also recommended for sack, he was reassigned to the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

It was gathered that the CoS had attracted controversy. He was accused of blocking visitors and making unauthorised statements at public events.

However, insiders confided that Yusuf decided to reshuffle in a bid to strategically assert himself as the chief executive of the state and to end his perception as a puppet governor.

Sources alleged that Kwankwaso has been pulling the string, but Yusuf has always vowed not to disrespect or part with the former governor who has been his boss and benefactor.

The sacked commissioners were nominated by Kwankwaso. The governor said: “The much-awaited decision finally came to enable optimum performance that will drive more dividend of democracy to the good people of Kano State.

It was gathered that the governor had accused some commissioners of not impressing him with performance. That was why he had initially placed them on probation.

• By Fanen Ihyongo

Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, has urged President Bola Tinubu to hold Kano state Governor Abba Yusuf accountable for the destruction, vandalism, and loss of lives and property that occurred in Kano during the #EndBadGovernance protest on Thursday. 

Speaking to journalists in Kano on Sunday, Iliyasu highlighted President Tinubu’s achievements over the past year. 

He alleged that Governor Yusuf had incited the public to protest, promising to receive their complaints at the Government House and forward them to the president for action. 

Iliyasu implied that the governor’s actions had contributed to the unrest and called for him to be held responsible.

“The hungry and angry people, however, engaged in mayhem and wanton destruction of lives and property, which the governor should take responsibility.

“In Kano, it was the governor who called the hungry and angry people to come out to protest. Now that people have been killed and property vandalised, he should take responsibility and pay compensation for the damages,” he said.

Iliyasu urged the victims and relatives of the deceased to seek the services of competent lawyers, go to court and seek compensation from the state.

“Because it was the governor who asked you to come out to protest even as his boss Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had advised the people not to protest. He (governor) must compensate the victims.

“As for what Kwankwaso did, I commend him, it is true that we should prepare our votes against the 2027 election instead of engaging in protest.

“We are drawing the attention of Mr President to instruct the Kano state governor to pay the compensation for the damages, looting and loss of lives suffered by the people of Kano,” he stated.

He further blamed the state governors for the hardship being faced by the citizens saying that president Bola Tinubu had shared about N570 billion to all the states and is confident that Kano state had gotten not less than N50 billion.

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“With all these funds given to the governors, Nigerians should not be crying of hunger if properly utilised in human development projects.

“As I have stated, even the  flyovers they are constructing is not part of the special allocation they received, it is the local government money, up to N15 billion. How can you take money from my local government and come and build bridges in the city? It is wrong!

“What I am saying here is that the problem is not with Mr President, it is the governors. I am not isolating my own governor (Kano) but all the governors. There are governors that are doing very well, you cannot generalise, but the problem is with the governors.

“You did not hear any of the 36 governors complaining over the removal of fuel subsidy because they are beneficiaries of the money. But they have not explained this to the grassroots. So let us be realistic.

“Let the masses understand that the president and his vice, Kashim Shetima mean well for the people of the country.

• Govt sues Ganduje, ex-commissioner for allegedly misappropriating N240m

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has given assent to the Kano State Emirates Council Bill 2024, passed by the House of Assembly yesterady.

The governor signed the law at the council chamber of the Government House about 5.26pm.

The law approves the establishment of three second-class emirates in the state.

“This development underscores our unwavering commitment to preserving our traditional institutions and cultural heritage, recognising them as essential pillars of peace and heritage conservation,” the governor said.

He urged those who would be appointed emirs of the newly created emirates to diligently serve humanity, saying the government will announce the names of the new emirs very soon.

The House of Assembly earlier passed the Kano State Emirates Council Establishment Bill 2024 into law, setting the stage for the creation of three additional second-class emirates.

The law, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Bututu, aims at elevating Kano’s status to that of a first-class emirate, with Rano, Gaya, and Karaye identified as second-class emirates, a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature, said.

Read Also: Yusuf signs Emirate Council Establishment Bill 2024 into law

The newly established emirates are Rano, Gaya and Karaye.

Rano emirate comprises of Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya local government areas; Gaya emirate includes Gaya, Albasu, and Ajingi local government areas, while Karaye emirate covers Karaye and Rogo local government areas.

The second-class emirs will be answerable to the Emir of Kano. They will possess the authority to counsel the Emir on matters concerning public order, territorial disputes, communal conflicts, and religious affairs within their respective domains, the governor added.

Meanwhile, the government yesterday sued former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and his former Commissioner of Justice, Musa Lawan, for allegedly diverting the state’s N240 million.

The government accused the two of conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds, among other charges.

They are also accused of ‘criminal misappropriation contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code (as amended) CAP 105, Vol. 2, the Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.”

A specific date for the trial has not been fixed, but the prosecution said it will present four witnesses and evidence to prove their allegations.