Bauchi Gov Swears In 8 New Commissioners, Assigns Portfolios
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Wednesday, swore in eight new commissioners as part of efforts to reinvigorate his administration’s machinery and enhance policy implementation across the state.
Governor Mohammed explained that reshuffling the cabinet is a part of his administration’s ongoing strategy to optimize the state’s governance, ensuring that the right people occupy the right positions for effective service delivery. This reshuffle comes after the recent removal of five commissioners, with their positions now filled by the new appointees.
New Appointments and Portfolios
During the swearing-in ceremony, which followed the confirmation of the commissioners by the State House of Assembly, Governor Mohammed highlighted the importance of maintaining a dynamic cabinet to respond efficiently to the state’s needs. He announced that the new commissioners would replace key figures, including the late Aliyu Ahmed Jalam, the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Aminu Hammayo, the former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, who has been appointed as the new Secretary to the State Government.
The eight new commissioners are tasked with leading various ministries across the state, with specific assignments as follows:
- Alhaji Usman Usman Shehu – Ministry of Information and Communication
- Iliyasu Aliyu Gital – Ministry of Agriculture
- Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi – Ministry of Livestock Development
- Hon. Isa Babayo Tilde – Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
- Prof. Titus Saul Ketkukah – Ministry of Works and Transport
- Hon. Adamu Babayo Gabarin – Ministry of Youth and Sports
- Abdullahi Mohammed – Ministry of Land and Survey
- Dr. Mohammed Lawal Rimin Zayam – Ministry of Education
Cabinet Reshuffle and Redesignations
In addition to the new appointments, several serving commissioners were redeployed to new ministries. These include:
- Amina Muhammed Katagum – from Ministry of Land and Survey to Budget and Economic Planning
- Ibrahim Gambo Galadima – from Ministry of Works to Internal Security and Home Affairs
- Mohammed Salis Gamawa – from Ministry of Youth to Commerce, Industry, and Investment
- Engr. Binni Abdulkadir – from Ministry of Works to Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation
Governor Mohammed expressed his appreciation to the five commissioners who were dropped, emphasizing that their removal was not due to any failure in their integrity or capacity but was a strategic decision to ensure that the right people were placed in key positions for the benefit of the people of Bauchi.
Governor’s Charge to New Appointees
Addressing the new commissioners, the governor reminded them of the trust they had been entrusted with. He emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and judicious use of public resources in their new roles.
“You are to serve the people and not to be their masters. One day, you will account for your stewardship,” Governor Mohammed said. He also urged them to uphold integrity and avoid the temptation of diverting public funds for personal gain.
The governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to improving the socio-economic well-being of the people of Bauchi, and the new commissioners are expected to contribute to realizing this goal through their respective ministries.
Previous Cabinet Shake-Up
This reshuffle follows a significant change in the state’s cabinet earlier in January, when five commissioners were dismissed to allow for new appointments aimed at strengthening the administration’s effectiveness in governance and service delivery. The governor’s move has been framed as part of an effort to reinvigorate the state’s leadership in a way that better aligns with its development goals.
