Political Opinion
The attention of the Kano State Government has been drawn to media reports and commentaries alleging that the recent directive by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, instructing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to temporarily halt the forwarding of files to his office has “grounded public administration” in the state.
- The Government wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that this claim is incorrect, misleading and devoid of factual or legal basis.
- The directive in question was issued towards the end of December, at a time when the State’s Appropriation Law for the outgoing fiscal year was elapsing and the new budget was in the process of legislative consideration. In such a circumstance, prudence, legality and respect for due process demand restraint in executive approvals, particularly those that may carry financial implications.
- Far from grounding public administration, the directive was a responsible administrative and fiscal control measure, taken to prevent unauthorized expenditures, avoid illegal financial commitments and protect the State from future audit queries and legal exposure. It is a well-established principle of public finance that no new spending commitments should be undertaken in the absence of a valid appropriation law.
- It is important to emphasize that government business has continued uninterrupted. Essential services across security, healthcare, education, sanitation and other critical sectors have remained fully operational under existing statutory provisions and standing approvals. The directive merely placed a temporary pause on the escalation of new discretionary matters to the Governor’s office pending further guidance aligned with the new fiscal framework.
- Additionally, the measure reinforces institutional governance by allowing MDAs to operate strictly within their lawful mandates, while preventing the culture of end-of-year rush approvals that often undermine transparency and fiscal discipline.
- The Kano State Government therefore finds it unfortunate that a lawful, precautionary and governance-driven decision has been misrepresented as administrative paralysis. On the contrary, the action reflects foresight, discipline and respect for the rule of law—qualities that are essential for responsible leadership.
- The public is assured that once the transitional administrative reviews are concluded, appropriate directives will be issued to guide the next phase of executive operations.
The Government of Kano State remains committed to transparency, effective service delivery and prudent management of public resources in the best interest of the people of the State.
This was contained in a statement signed
For: Kano State Government
Umar F. Ibrahim
Secretary to the State Government