The Kano State Government has strongly refuted recent media reports alleging that a directive from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has caused an administrative standstill in the state's governance.
Government Dismisses Misleading Reports
In a statement released on Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruq Ibrahim, described the reports as misleading and a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to disrupt government operations. He stated clearly that the claim of a grounded public administration is incorrect and lacks any factual or legal foundation.
The controversial directive was issued towards the end of December 2025. It temporarily paused the forwarding of files on new discretionary matters from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to the Governor's office.
A Measure of Fiscal Prudence, Not Paralysis
The SSG provided context, explaining that the instruction coincided with the elapsing of the state's Appropriation Law for the outgoing fiscal year and the legislative consideration of the new budget. He emphasized that in such a transitional period, restraint in executive approvals, especially those with financial implications, is a demand of prudence, legality, and due process.
"Far from grounding public administration, the directive was a responsible administrative and fiscal control measure, taken to prevent unauthorized expenditures," Ibrahim asserted. He added that the move aims to avoid illegal financial commitments and protect Kano State from future audit queries and legal exposure.
The government highlighted that it is a core principle of public finance not to undertake new spending commitments in the absence of a valid appropriation law.
Essential Services Remain Uninterrupted
The SSG assured citizens that government business has continued without interruption. He confirmed that essential services in critical sectors remain fully operational under existing statutory provisions and standing approvals. The sectors mentioned include:
- Security
- Healthcare
- Education
- Sanitation
Furthermore, the government stated that the measure reinforces institutional governance by ensuring MDAs operate strictly within their lawful mandates. It also aims to prevent a culture of end-of-year rush approvals, which often undermines transparency and fiscal discipline.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to transparency, effective service delivery, and the prudent management of public resources for the benefit of Kano State's people. The SSG concluded that once transitional administrative reviews are finalized, appropriate directives will be issued to guide the next phase of executive operations.
