koto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has undertaken a significant leadership restructuring, presiding over the swearing-in of key officials including a new chairman for Kebbe Local Government Area, the State Head of Civil Service, five special advisers, and twelve permanent secretaries. This comprehensive exercise aims to bolster governance and enhance public service delivery across the state, introducing fresh impetus into various administrative sectors. Hon. Musa Garba Kuchi officially assumed the chairmanship of Kebbe LGA, stepping into the role following the unfortunate demise of the elected chairman, Abdullahi Yarima, a few months prior.
During the ceremony, Governor Aliyu issued a direct and firm charge to the newly appointed Kebbe LGA chairman, Hon. Kuchi. He urged the chairman to embody accessibility, honesty, and sincerity, stressing the critical need for him to reside within the local government area to effectively serve its populace. Highlighting the security challenges faced by Kebbe, the governor specifically tasked Kuchi with fostering close collaboration with security agencies and ensuring regular security meetings to enhance safety and stability within the community. This mandate reflects a proactive approach to local governance and security.
The swearing-in also formalized the appointment of Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed as the State Head of Civil Service. Governor Aliyu impressed upon Mohamed the formidable task of revitalizing the state’s civil service, which he noted required significant rejuvenation. The governor called for a concerted effort to restore the “lost glory” of the service by promoting stringent discipline, unwavering commitment, dedication, and punctuality among civil servants. He emphasized that improved work ethics and strict adherence to professional standards were essential for boosting overall productivity and efficiency within the state bureaucracy.
Extending his directives to all the newly sworn-in special advisers and permanent secretaries, Governor Aliyu underscored the paramount importance of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. He charged them to operate with utmost transparency and accountability, ensuring good governance at every level of their operations. The governor stressed that proper record-keeping and a commitment to building a credible system were non-negotiable, warning that a lot was expected from them as heads of their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and as accounting officers. He reiterated that all appointments were based strictly on merit, reflecting the administration’s commitment to competence.
Governor Aliyu articulated the distinct yet complementary roles of special advisers and permanent secretaries, advocating for a harmonious working relationship between the two cadres. He clarified that special advisers serve as the political heads, guiding policy direction, while permanent secretaries act as the administrative heads and accounting officers of their MDAs. The governor emphasized that permanent secretaries are indispensable to the successful implementation of any administration’s policies, forming the backbone of institutional memory and execution. He called for synergy to ensure seamless government operations.
The administration’s commitment to civil servant welfare and morale was also a key theme of the governor’s address. Governor Aliyu proudly highlighted the prompt payment of salaries, gratuities, and pensions, a significant improvement from past challenges. He also noted the restoration of imprest to MDAs, measures designed to boost morale and provide a conducive working environment. These initiatives, he asserted, are integral to fostering an efficient and productive workforce, and have led to substantial progress in clearing accumulated gratuity arrears that previously ran into billions of naira.
Governor Aliyu reinforced his administration’s unwavering stance against corruption, declaring a “zero tolerance” policy. He sternly warned all appointees that prudence in the management of public resources must never be compromised. He demanded that they operate with absolute transparency and accountability, urging them to allow the “fear of Allah” to guide their actions and decisions. This clear message sought to embed a culture of fiscal responsibility and ethical leadership throughout the state government, ensuring public trust and efficient resource utilization.
Reflecting on the state’s financial health, Governor Aliyu acknowledged the significant progress made since his assumption of office. He recalled a period where the state owed pensioners billions in gratuities, a situation that has now vastly improved. “Alhamdulillah,” he stated, “those challenges are now becoming history.” He confirmed that salaries are consistently paid between the 19th and 20th of every month, cash allocations have been fully restored, and the payment of accumulated gratuity arrears is progressing steadily, signaling a return to fiscal stability and responsibility.
The governor concluded by appealing directly to all civil servants across the state, urging them to maintain their dedication and commitment to duty. He stressed that their diligence and hard work are fundamental to enabling his administration to achieve its overarching vision of a “new Sokoto State,” characterized by progress, good governance, and prosperity for all its citizens.
