Kano state governor reduces salaries of political office holders

Kano state government north western Nigeria has reduced salaries and allowances of all political appointees in the state by 50 percent.

The state governor, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje made the announcement while swearing in fourteen newly appointed commissioners.

“I hereby announce that the salaries and allowances of all political office holders are reduced by 50 per cent.

“We shall pursue an aggressive internal revenue generation in view of the dwindling oil revenue from the federation account as business will no longer be as usual,” he said.

The governor disclosed that the new administration had also introduced new reforms including reduction in the number of ministries from 19 to 14, to cut cost of governance.

The governor tasked civil servants in the state to be more focused on their duty and avoid coming to work late as such attitude will attract sanctions.

The government will use carrot and stick approach to ensure compliance from the civil servants,” warned Ganduje.

Merit

He said that the commissioners were selected on merit and urged them to deploy their expertise to the service of the state.

“You all must be transparent, dedicated to duty and eschew corruption. You should see the appointments as a clarion call and service to humanity in view of the varying degree of developmental needs of the people that deserves urgent attention,” advised the governor.

The commissioners who were sworn in by the Solicitor General of the state, Barrister Bala Sani all pledged to “uphold the oath of allegiance. Protect, defend and abide by the constitution of Nigeria and do good to all citizens.”

Ganduje added that they must discharge their responsibilities with utmost sense of accountability, transparency and “fear of Allah” (God).

The new commissioners include the immediate past NUJ President, Malam Mohammed Garba who is the Commissioner of Information, Youth and Culture; Alhaji Murtala Garo, Local Government and Community Development and Haruna Falali, Justice.

Others are; Dr Kabir Getso, Health, Alhaji Usman Ririwai, Water Resources and Rural Development, Prof. Kabir Dandago, Finance, Hajiya Zubaida Sharif, Women Affairs, Alhaji Ali Makoda, Environment and Alhaji Rabi’u Bako, Commerce.

The rest include Hajiya Aisha Mohammed-Bello, Planning and Budget, Garba Lambu, Works and Housing, Alhaji Faruk BB Faruk, Lands and Physical Planning while the Deputy Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar will oversee the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalist has congratulated the newly appointed Kano state commissioner of information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Mohammed Garba.

In a statement signed by the National secretary of the Union, Shaibu Leman, the NUJ urged Garba to be committed to duty in his entire endeavor while serving the state.

Mohhammed Garba is the out-going President of the Union at the national level.