In a major administrative shake-up, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dissolved his cabinet, relieved the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muhammad Ubandona-Aliyu, and all commissioners of their duties.
The announcement, made through a statement signed by Mohammed Illiyasu-Idde, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs and Special Duties in the Office of the SSG, confirmed that the dissolution takes effect from Friday, January 3, 2025.
“All outgoing commissioners are to hand over the affairs of their ministries and all government property in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries. The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State is to hand over to the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, and Special Services,” the statement read.
Governor Sule expressed gratitude to the outgoing appointees for their contributions to the state and wished them success in their future endeavors.
Although no official reason was provided for the dissolution, a government insider, speaking anonymously, suggested that the decision aligns with the governor’s focus on restructuring for more effective governance.
This development mirrored a similar move made by Governor Sule in 2021 when he dissolved the executive council, citing the need for a more efficient and performance-driven governance structure. Analysts believe this latest move could be part of his strategy to reinvigorate his administration as he enters a critical phase of his tenure.
The news has generated mixed reactions across Nasarawa State. While some residents see it as a bold step toward achieving better governance, others are concerned about the implications of the decision, particularly in terms of continuity in ongoing projects and programs.
A civil servant in Lafia, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the governor’s action as “timely and necessary.” According to him, “It shows the governor is serious about improving the performance of his administration.”
However, a political analyst and resident of Keffi, Yusuf Abdullahi, expressed skepticism. “Frequent dissolutions can disrupt the flow of governance and create unnecessary gaps in leadership. The governor must ensure swift and competent replacements to avoid setbacks,” he said.
As the state awaits further clarification, speculations are rife about the composition of the new cabinet. It is expected that Governor Sule will appoint individuals with proven competence and loyalty to advance his administration’s priorities, including economic development, security, and infrastructure.
The governor’s office has yet to announce a timeline for the appointment of new commissioners or an SSG. Until then, the Permanent Secretaries in the affected ministries will oversee operations to ensure continuity.
Governor Sule’s decision underscores his commitment to reshaping Nasarawa State’s governance landscape. The coming weeks will reveal whether this bold move will yield the desired outcomes or stir further political debate.
