You’re Selected On Merit, Gov Bala Mohammed Tells New Commissioners

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State has told the newly appointed commissioners that their selection did not compromise merit.

He said it was based on their track records of competent service and dedication to propel the state’s development.

The governor urged the new appointees to bring these attributes into play in the discharge of their duties in their new offices and to acquaint themselves with the government’s thrust to be properly guided in implementing government policies and programmes.

Mohammed, who spoke during the swearing-in of the new commissioners in Bauchi yesterday, asked them to work harmoniously with their permanent secretaries, accounting staff and other officials of their respective ministries for the realisation of the set objectives at their various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

“You must know that their conduct and actions will be closely monitored by the public and by us. Any shortcoming on your part will be considered as a shortcoming of the government,”he said.

Governor Bala urged them to live above board and shun acts capable of bringing down the government or disreputing it, saying his administration attaches great importance to probity, accountability and adherence to due process.

The Governor urged them to handle the finances and responsibilities of their ministries judiciously, and not to be tempted to misappropriate or divert funds that would be put under their care, recalling that since the advent of the present administration, the government has invested heavily in infrastructural development and the provision of amenities and upgrading of services.

He explained that the new appointments followed the resignation of some political appointees who expressed interest in contesting elective positions in the 2027 general elections, in compliance with relevant legal provisions. He urged the commissioners to familiarise themselves with government policies and work closely with permanent secretaries and other civil servants to achieve the objectives of their respective ministries.

Senator Bala Mohammed reiterated the achievements of his administration since 2019, which include investments in road construction, education, healthcare, water supply, security, youth empowerment, and skills development. He said the efforts have contributed to positioning Bauchi among the leading states in development and one of the safest states in Nigeria.

He announced the cabinet changes, Governor Bala Mohammed assigned Madaki Ahmad Gololo to the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives; Bashir Yau to Youth and Sports Development; Bashir Adamu Rishi to Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management; and Baraya Ibrahim to Commerce, Industry and Investment.

Mohammed similarly announced the redeployment of Adamu Babayo Gabarin to Culture and Tourism; Abdul Hassan to Rural Development and Special Duties; and Muhammad Hamisu Shira to Finance and Economic Development, while Hassan El-Yakub will continue supervising the Ministry of Local Government and chieftaincy affairs,  and Usman Shehu Usman will continue supervising the Ministry of Water Resources.