Kano NNPP Crisis Escalates as Governor Yusuf Reshuffles Key Officials, Targeting Deputy and Senior Civil Servants

The ongoing political turmoil within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has deepened, with Governor Abba Yusuf taking decisive actions to reorganize key government officials. In a recent reshuffle, he reassigned two key permanent secretaries: Aminu Kura, previously the permanent secretary for Special Duties in the Deputy Governor’s office, and Ibrahim Kabara, who held the position of permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. ...CONTINUE READING>>>

This move comes amid mounting tensions within the party.The reshuffle also saw Aminu Abdussalam, the Deputy Governor, who also serves as the commissioner for Local Government, losing key personnel in his office. Kabara was moved to the Ministry of Special Duties, while Kura was reassigned to the Head of Service’s office without a specific portfolio.

In their places, Sadi Ibrahim and Musbahu Badawi were appointed as permanent secretaries for Special Duties and Local Government Affairs, respectively.Additionally, the governor made changes to the Ministry of Local Government by transferring Aminu Kabara and Jamilu Muhd, two directors overseeing Salary & Wages and Recruitment & Training, to the Office of the Head of Service. While these changes appear to be routine administrative adjustments, some sources suggest they are linked to the escalating rift between Governor Yusuf and the party’s national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The relationship between the two men has soured further following a controversy surrounding a pharmaceutical deal involving Novomed, a company owned by Kwankwaso’s nephew.Some observers believe these administrative changes may be a deliberate attempt by Governor Yusuf to weaken the influence of his deputy, particularly over local government matters. A recent circular, dated November 4, 2024, and signed by Umar Jalo, the permanent secretary for Establishment, outlined the reassignments.

According to insiders, the Deputy Governor was not consulted about these changes, a departure from the usual practice of allowing his office to propose its staff transfers for the governor’s approval.This move has sparked speculation that the transfers were partly a result of the officials’ involvement in the Novomed scandal, which is being investigated by the Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaint Commission.