Why I sacked 5 commissioners in cabinet reshuffle – Governor breaks silence
Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has explained that his recent cabinet reshuffling, which saw the dismissal of five commissioners, was aimed at “putting square pegs in square holes.”
The governor clarified that the affected commissioners were not dismissed due to any integrity or capacity issues. He added that despite their removal from the cabinet, some may be considered for roles as special advisers.
Speaking yesterday during the swearing-in of eight new commissioners, Governor Bala emphasised that the new appointees were selected based on merit, experience, and fair representation.
He urged the new commissioners to “make judicious use of government resources and resist the temptation to divert public funds for personal use.” He also stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in the discharge of their duties.
Governor Bala explained that eight commissioners were sworn in, rather than the five who were dismissed, due to the need to replace two key positions: the former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Aminu Hammayo, who was appointed Secretary to the State Government, and the late Aliyu Ahmed Jalam, who served as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs before his death. He also noted that the last new appointee would oversee the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.
The newly appointed commissioners and their portfolios include Alhaji Usman Usman Shehu (Information and Communication), Dr. Iliyasu Aliyu Gital (Agriculture), Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi (Livestock Development), Hon. Isa Babayo Tilde (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Prof. Titus Saul Ketkukah (Works and Transport), Alhaji Adamu Babayo Gabarin (Youth and Sports), Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed (Lands and Survey), and Dr. Lawal Mohammed Rimin Zayam (Education).
The governor also reassigned portfolios to four serving commissioners. They are: Amina Muhammad Katagum (Budget and Economic Planning), Ibrahim Gambo Galadima (Internal Security and Home Affairs), Muhammed Salees Gamawa (Commerce, Industry, and Investment), and Engr. Binni Abdulkadir (Religious Affairs and Societal Re-orientation).
