Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has suspended the acting Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Salisu Mustapha, with immediate effect over alleged salary deductions and non-payment of some civil servants’ salaries.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, announced the suspension in a statement on Thursday, stating that Mustapha was directed to step aside to allow for an unhindered investigation into the matter.
“To ensure administrative continuity, the governor has approved the appointment of Malam Umar Muhammad Jalo, the Permanent Secretary, REPA, as the new acting Head of Service, pending the outcome of the ongoing probe,” the statement read.
Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on financial misconduct, warning that any individual found culpable would face severe consequences.
“The Abdulkadir Abdussalam-led investigative committee, inaugurated today, has been given seven days to uncover the root of the irregularities and submit its findings,” Bature added.
The statement also noted that Mustapha was appointed acting Head of Service earlier this month after the substantive Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, was granted medical leave and is currently receiving treatment in India.
Governor Yusuf had previously set up a seven-man high-powered committee with a seven-day deadline to investigate reports of salary underpayment and non-payment affecting several civil servants in the state. The probe aims to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
