Governor Mohammed dissolves cabinet, political appointees

By ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi –

Ahead of his inauguration for a second term in office as Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has dissolved the State Executive Council.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Ibrahim Kassim, while briefing journalists at the Government House, Bauchi, on the outcome of the valedictory session of the State Executive Council held on Thursday.

He said those affected by the dissolution include the Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, all political appointees as Heads of Departments, Agencies and Parastatals of government.

Kassim however said that the Governor retained him (as SSG), the Chief of Staff and the Principal Private Secretary, Samaila Burga.

“As you are aware, the inauguration of His Excellency, the Governor, comes up on Monday, May 29th at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium. As is mandatory, a valedictory session of the Council today which is supposed to be the last under this administration to close the council.

“The Council was therefore dissolved meaning that in line with the provisions of the constitution all political appointees – Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Chairmen of Boards and Board Members of all Agencies and Companies, all Statutory Bodies, have been dissolved.

“For now, the SSG stays, the Chief of Staff stays and the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor stays. We’re going to work with His Excellency until a new government is put in place.

“After the inauguration, His Excellency, as required by law, will establish a new council which would be sent to the State House of Assembly, for affirmation.

“The Governor thanked all of them for their efforts both individually and collectively which brought about the successes that have been achieved by the administration in the last four years.

“He urged each and every one of them to walk with their heads high because it was the contribution and collective efforts of members that brought about the successes that have been achieved so far,” he said.

The SSG however stated that the Caretakers of Local Government Areas have been excluded.