Governor Muhammadu Yahaya has charged the newly inaugurated commissioners, special advisers and permanent secretaries in Gombe State to immediately get to work, declaring that there is “absolutely no time for learning or institutional orientation” as his administration enters its final year in office.
Speaking on Saturday during the swearing-in ceremony at the Government House, Gombe, the governor said the new appointees must justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering quality governance and accelerating the implementation of government policies across the state.
“You have less than a year to make your mark. There is absolutely no time for learning or institutional orientation; you need to hit the ground running immediately,” Yahaya declared.
The governor described the appointments as a “sacred public trust,” urging the officials to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, discipline and the fear of God.
“By taking your oaths of office, you have affirmed your commitment to discharge your responsibilities to the best of your abilities for the overall development of our dear state,” he said.
Yahaya commended the Gombe State House of Assembly for its swift confirmation of the commissioner nominees, describing the cordial relationship between the executive and legislature over the last seven years as instrumental to the state’s development.
“Today’s event is made possible by the generous cooperation and patriotic understanding of the Honourable House of Assembly. The excellent working relationship between the legislature and the executive has enabled us to work collectively in the best interest of our people,” he said.
The governor also praised permanent secretaries for keeping government running smoothly following the dissolution of the State Executive Council in April.
“They filled the gap to ensure that public service delivery did not falter and that governance remained seamless and uninterrupted. Their steadfastness during this transition period is a testament to the resilience of the Gombe State Civil Service.”
“Expectations Are High”
Addressing the commissioners, Yahaya said they were deliberately selected from different local government areas and professional backgrounds to strengthen governance.
“You have been carefully selected because this diversity remains our strength. The expectations from our people are very high, and there is no time to waste.”
He added that the commissioners would oversee the affairs of the state’s 23 ministries and were expected to ensure government policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
“You will be required to implement government policies with total precision and deliver good governance directly to the doorsteps of our citizens.”
The governor urged the newly appointed special advisers to go beyond routine advisory functions by providing strategic and evidence-based recommendations.
“You must look beyond routine paperwork to offer innovative solutions, gauge public sentiment and build bridges that connect government operations with public perceptions and expectations.”
Permanent Secretaries Charged on Reforms
Yahaya reminded permanent secretaries that they remain the institutional backbone of government.
“While politicians may come and go, you provide the structural continuity and stability that the state requires to thrive.”
He urged them to eliminate bureaucratic delays, enforce transparency and fiscal discipline, and mentor civil servants under their supervision.
“Inject new energy into your ministries, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure our governance agenda is delivered without delay or compromise.”
Election Season: ‘Work Twice as Hard’
With the 2027 elections approaching, Yahaya told the new appointees that governance must not slow down.
“We are entering an election season. We must work twice as hard to sustain and compound the tremendous public goodwill that has historically anchored our administration.”
According to him, the administration’s performance—not political rhetoric—should be its strongest campaign message.
“Your achievements in office must serve as our most potent campaign tools because this government talks through its work and verifiable performance.”
The governor also took a swipe at opposition parties, claiming they lacked alternative ideas and had resorted to personal attacks.
“Over the past seven years, we have completely transformed the social, economic and developmental conditions of our people across all 240 wards of the state.”
He added: “We have delivered unprecedented dividends of democracy that the opposition has been left completely bankrupt of ideas. They have nothing left to campaign about and have resorted to desperate personal attacks.”
Without naming any political party, Yahaya said his administration would remain focused on governance.
“We will continue to campaign strictly on real issues, on what we have done, on our solid track record, and on the stark contrast between how we met Gombe State and how we are going to leave it.”
The governor warned that his administration would not tolerate corruption or abuse of office.
“The power, authorities and funds belonging to government must be used solely for the benefit of our people and not for the benefit of any single individual or group.”
He added:
“This administration will not condone indiscipline, corruption or any act capable of tarnishing the hard-earned image of our government. You are not merely ambassadors of government; you are servants of the people of Gombe State.”
Yahaya appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the new officials.
“We must learn from the mistakes of the past, work together as a cohesive team and act as partners rather than rivals.”
Yahaya also announced the portfolios of the 23 commissioners inaugurated into the State Executive Council. Abdulkadir Mohammed Waziri was assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, while Micah Sunday Hamman will oversee the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Prof. Aishatu Umaru Maigari was appointed Commissioner for Education, and Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga will head the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Yusuf K. Jalingo was assigned the Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources, while Muhammad Gambo Magaji will serve as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development. Prof. Danladi Adamu Bojude will oversee the Ministry of Health, and Mohammed Saidu Mohammed was posted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Aishatu Mohammed Bose Ahmed was assigned the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, while Moses Kyari Bolda will lead the Ministry of Information, Strategy and Culture. Adamu Dishi Kupto was named Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, and Zubairu Muhammad Umar will head the Ministry of Justice.
The governor also appointed Ibrahim Shehu Turaki as Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali as Commissioner for Livestock Development, and Sani Ahmad Haruna to oversee the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development. L.D. Faruk was assigned the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives, while Dr. Habu Dahiru will head the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Shehu Yerima Abdullahi was posted to the Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration, Nasir Mohammed Aliyu will oversee the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, while Engr. Bala Adams was assigned the Ministry of Water Resources.
Completing the list, Dr. Bertha Danja was appointed Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Usman Maijama’a Kallamu will head the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, while Yusuf Abdu Kwadon was assigned the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
