Rift Within NNPP Deepens as Governor Abba Yusuf Reshuffles Key Officials
Naijawebinfo reports that the crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has escalated, with Governor Abba Yusuf making significant changes to the party’s leadership.
In a move that has raised eyebrows, the governor reassigned Aminu Kura, the permanent secretary for Special Duties in the Office of the Deputy Governor, and Ibrahim Kabara, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Kabara has been transferred to the Ministry of Special Duties, while Kura was reassigned to the Office of the Head of Service without a designated portfolio.
In their place, Governor Yusuf appointed Sadi Ibrahim as permanent secretary for Special Duties in the Office of the Deputy Governor and Musbahu Badawi as permanent secretary for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The reshuffle also saw Aminu Kabara and Jamilu Muhd, directors of Salary & Wages and Recruitment & Training respectively, reassigned from the Ministry of Local Government to the Office of the Head of Service.
While the changes may seem routine, sources suggest they may be linked to internal tensions within the NNPP, exacerbated by a strained relationship between Governor Yusuf and the party’s national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
This tension has been fueled by a recent drug procurement controversy involving Novomed, a pharmaceutical company owned by Kwankwaso’s nephew, Musa Garba Kwankwaso.
Observers believe the governor’s reassignments may be a calculated move to reduce the deputy governor’s influence over local government affairs.
A circular, dated November 4, 2024, and signed by Umar Jalo, the permanent secretary for Establishment in the Office of the Head of Civil Service, detailed the reassignments.
An informed source revealed to Daily Nigerian that the deputy governor was not consulted on the reassignments, a departure from the tradition of allowing the Deputy Governor’s Office to nominate its civil servants for approval by the governor.
“This change signifies a growing rift between the governor and his deputy,” the source stated.
Some sources also suggest that the affected officials were transferred due to their alleged involvement in the Novomed scandal, as indicated by the Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaint Commission’s findings.
