Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has suspended the Acting Head of Service, Salisu Mustapha, over allegations of unauthorized salary deductions and the non-payment of salaries to some civil servants in the state. The decision, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.
According to the statement, Mustapha has also been directed to step aside from his position as Permanent Secretary, Establishment, under the Office of the Head of Service to allow for an independent investigation into the alleged financial irregularities. Governor Yusuf emphasized that the suspension reflects his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fair treatment of civil servants.
“The governor has shown his commitment to transparency and accountability by taking this bold step. The investigation will be conducted without any interference. Our administration will not tolerate any form of financial malpractice. Any public servant found wanting will be dealt with according to the law,” the statement read.
In a swift move to ensure continuity in governance, the governor appointed Malam Umar Muhammad Jalo, the Permanent Secretary of the Reform and Productivity Agency (REPA), as the new Acting Head of Service. Jalo will serve in this capacity until the conclusion of the investigation into the alleged misconduct. Expressing his readiness to take on the role, Jalo pledged to uphold the highest standards of integrity within the state’s civil service.
“I am ready to serve diligently and ensure the highest standards of integrity in the civil service,” Jalo stated following his appointment.
Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on financial mismanagement and warned that any individual found guilty of fraudulent activities would face the full weight of the law. He stressed that the welfare of civil servants remains a top priority and that any act undermining their financial well-being would not be condoned.
To probe the allegations, the governor inaugurated an investigative committee on Thursday, with Abdulkadir Abdussalam as its chairman. The committee has been given a strict deadline of seven days to submit its findings and recommendations.
“We will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth. Civil servants deserve to be paid fully and promptly,” Abdussalam assured.
The suspension of Mustapha comes barely weeks after his appointment as Acting Head of Service. He was appointed earlier this month following the departure of the substantive Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, who proceeded on medical leave to India.
The development has sparked reactions within the Kano State civil service, with many employees hopeful that the investigation will bring clarity and justice to the matter.
