GOVERNOR YUSUF’S RIOT ACT: A NECESSARY WAKE-UP CALL FOR NON-PERFORMING AIDES
By Tijjani Sarki
The recent warning issued by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to commissioners and special advisers is timely, necessary, and deserving of widespread support. It demonstrates a leadership style that values performance, responsibility, accountability, and results-driven governance.
As someone who has consistently advocated for effective governance and institutional reforms, I view this development as a welcome response to concerns that many citizens have expressed over the years.
In no fewer than seven of my published articles, I have drawn the attention of His Excellency to the need for decisive housekeeping within some critical sectors of government, particularly the Ministries of Education, Health, Water Resources, and other strategic agencies where service delivery has not always matched public expectations.
My interventions were never intended to criticize for the sake of criticism. Rather, they were motivated by a sincere desire to see this administration succeed and deliver fully on the mandate entrusted to it by the people of Kano State. Constructive criticism remains an essential ingredient of democratic governance, and strong leadership is demonstrated by the willingness to listen, assess, and act where necessary.
Governor Yusuf’s message sends a clear signal that public office is not a reward but a responsibility. Those entrusted with positions of leadership must justify the confidence reposed in them through commitment, innovation, loyalty, and measurable impact. The people of Kano deserve appointees who understand the urgency of their challenges and are prepared to work tirelessly to address them.
I am particularly encouraged by the governor’s recognition of the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahir Hashim. His commendation serves as a reminder that excellence, dedication, and creativity do not go unnoticed. As the youngest commissioner in the cabinet, Dr. Hashim’s performance demonstrates that age is not a barrier to effective leadership and meaningful contribution to public service. Rewarding excellence is just as important as addressing underperformance.
As the administration celebrates its third anniversary in office, I respectfully wish to use this opportunity to make another appeal to This xExcellency. As a matter of urgency, the vacant positions created by the resignation of some commissioners and political aides should be filled without further delay. These appointments are critical to ensuring effective coordination, timely decision-making, and improved service delivery across government institutions. Filling these vacancies will undoubtedly strengthen governance and enhance administrative efficiency.
Three years into this administration, the people of Kano are looking forward to a stronger, more responsive, and more efficient government. The governor’s recent stance on accountability offers renewed hope that performance, competence, and commitment will remain the benchmarks for public service.
As citizens and stakeholders, our collective responsibility is to continue supporting policies and actions that strengthen institutions, improve service delivery, and advance the welfare of our people. Progress is best achieved when government and citizens work together in pursuit of a common vision for development.
I therefore commend Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for taking this bold and necessary step. His message should be seen not as a threat, but as a call to greater dedication, responsibility, and service to the people of Kano State.
As the administration marks this important milestone of three years in office, I congratulate His Excellency on the achievements recorded so far and pray that Almighty Allah grants him continued wisdom, good health, strength, and guidance in his efforts to build a more prosperous Kano State for present and future generations.
Tijjani Sarki
Good Governance Advocate and Public Policy Analyst
30 May 2026
