In a significant administrative move, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has officially sworn in Musa Garba Kuchi as the new chairman of Kebbe Local Government Council. This follows the unfortunate demise of the elected chairman, Abdullahi Yarima, who passed away a few months after his election.
Governor's Charge: Accessibility, Security, and God-Fearing Leadership
During the swearing-in ceremony held on 29 December 2025, Governor Aliyu charged the new council helmsman to be accessible, honest, sincere, and God-fearing. He emphasized the importance of the chairman residing within the local government area to serve the people effectively.
The governor specifically highlighted the security challenges facing Kebbe Local Council. He urged Chairman Kuchi to work closely with security agencies by holding regular security meetings to improve safety and stability in the area.
Broad Swearing-In Ceremony for Top State Officials
The event was not limited to the local government appointment. Governor Aliyu also administered oaths of office to several other key state officials, marking a major reshuffle in the state's administrative machinery.
The newly inaugurated officials include:
- Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed as the State Head of Civil Service.
- Five Special Advisers.
- Twelve Permanent Secretaries.
Restoring Glory to the Civil Service
Governor Aliyu directed the new Head of Service to redouble efforts to restore the lost glory of the Sokoto State civil service. He identified key areas for improvement:
- Promoting discipline, commitment, and dedication among workers.
- Ensuring strict punctuality.
- Improving productivity through enhanced work ethics.
The governor reassured civil servants of his administration's commitment to their welfare. He noted the prompt payment of salaries, gratuities, and pensions, as well as the restoration of imprest payments to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to boost morale.
Harmony, Merit, and Zero Tolerance for Corruption
Governor Aliyu called for a harmonious working relationship between the newly appointed Special Advisers and Permanent Secretaries. He clarified that while Special Advisers serve as political heads, Permanent Secretaries are the administrative and accounting officers of their MDAs, making them indispensable to the administration's success.
He stressed that all appointments were based strictly on merit. The governor issued a stern warning against corruption, stating his administration has zero tolerance for financial misconduct. He charged all appointees to operate with transparency, accountability, and to allow the fear of God to guide their actions.
Governor Aliyu also reported significant progress in clearing inherited liabilities, noting that salary payments now occur between the 19th and 20th of every month, and the payment of accumulated gratuity arrears is progressing steadily.
List of Appointees:
Special Advisers: Umar Babuga Oro, Faruku Labbo, Zainab Umar Dasuki, Kamaludden Abubakar, Lemi Bashir, Haliru Dogon Daji.
Permanent Secretaries: Isma'ila Ibrahim, Aliyu Ladan Isa, Aminu Bello, Abubakar Alhaji Ni'ima Hassan, Almustafa Sayudi, Aminu Abubakar Rijiya, Lema Sambo Wali, Kabiru Garba, Abubakar Moh'd Bello, Kabiru Labaran, Sanusi Aliyu Binji.
