Ganduje, Kano gov, slashes salaries of political office holders by 50%

In continuation of belt-tightening measures being adopted by across the states, Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano state, on Saturday announced a 50 percent cut in the salaries and allowances of all political officer holders in the state.

Ganduje made the announcement in Kano during the swearing-in ceremony of 13 new commissioners for the state.

“I hereby announce that the salaries and allowances of all political office holders are reduced by 50 per cent,” he said.

“We shall pursue an aggressive internal revenue generation in view of the dwindling oil revenue from the federation account as business will no longer be as usual.”

The governor disclosed that the new administration had also introduced new reforms including reduction in the number of ministries from 19 to 14, to cut cost of governance.

He said the commissioners were selected on merit and urged them to deploy their expertise to the service of the state.

Ganduje added that they must discharge their responsibilities with utmost sense of accountability, transparency and fear of God.

The new commissioners include Mohammed Garba, the immediate past president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (information); Murtala Garo (youth and culture);  and Haruna Falali (local government and community development).

Others are Kabir Getso (health)Usman Ririwai (water resources and rural development); Kabir Dandago (finance); Zubaida Sharif, (women affairs); Ali Makoda, (environment); and Rabi’u Bako, (commerce).

The rest are Aisha Mohammed-Bello, (planning and budget); Garba Lambu (works and housing); Faruk Faruk (lands and physical planning) while the deputy governor, Hafiz Abubakar will oversee the ministry of education, science and technology.