Bauchi governor Bala Mohammed has sacked two commissioners from his state executive council, sparking fresh political drama less than a year before his tenure ends. The dismissals came alongside the resignation of a third cabinet member, all announced on Friday through the governor’s media aide.
Mukhtar Gidado, who serves as media aide to the governor, confirmed the shake-up in a statement released on July 17. According to Gidado, the move forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery throughout the state. Meanwhile, the timing has raised eyebrows given the governor’s approaching exit and his upcoming senatorial bid.
Bauchi Governor Names Officials Affected by Sack
Two commissioners lost their positions immediately. Mohammed Salis Gamawa previously oversaw the Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Investment, while Dr Mohammed Lawal Rimin Zayam had earlier led the Ministry of Education before his transfer to Power, Science and Technology. Both officials must vacate the State Executive Council without delay.
Additionally, Governor Mohammed accepted the resignation of Hon. Faruk Mustapha, who had served as Commissioner for Rural Development and Special Duties. This reshuffle arrives as the governor prepares to contest the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat in 2027 under the Allied Peoples Movement banner.
Notably, Mohammed recently exited the Peoples Democratic Party after a bruising internal battle with a faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor. Wike’s faction ultimately prevailed within the PDP, which pushed Mohammed toward his defection to the APM ahead of next year’s elections.
Replacements Head to Bauchi Assembly for Screening
Gidado explained that the governor has already forwarded nominee names to the Bauchi State House of Assembly. Interestingly, these nominations cover not only Friday’s vacancies but also earlier gaps left by commissioners who departed during the administration’s tenure.
The governor reportedly praised the outgoing officials for their dedicated service and contributions toward the state’s development. He wished them success in future endeavours and reaffirmed his commitment toward building a more responsive and results-driven government for Bauchi residents, based on the official statement.
This cabinet reshuffle follows closely behind other developments in Bauchi State. Communities within the state recently experienced renewed tension after farmers and herders clashed on June 4 in the Lanzai and Dosho areas of Darazo Local Government Area. Police confirmed that the clash claimed seven lives, injured six people, and destroyed considerable property, according to earlier Legit.ng reporting.
Political observers now watch closely as Mohammed navigates his final months in office while simultaneously positioning himself for a Senate run. Since defecting to APM, he has faced questions about loyalty transitions within his cabinet, and this latest reshuffle may signal further changes ahead of the transition period.
For more background on Nigeria’s evolving political landscape and state governance structures, readers can explore Wikipedia’s overview of Nigerian state government for additional context.
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, similar cabinet reshuffles may occur across other Nigerian states. Governors nearing tenure completion often adjust their teams while positioning themselves for post-gubernatorial roles. Bauchi residents, meanwhile, await confirmation hearings for the newly nominated commissioners at the state assembly.
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