Uba Sani retains former SSG, announces appointments of Chief of Staff, Head of Service
Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, has announced the appointment of key officials to his administration, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, Head of Service, and 24 others.
The immediate past SSG, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has been retained due to his extensive experience in governance and will assist in the smooth transition to the new administration.
The Governor has also retained several senior members from the previous Nasir El-Rufai Administration to ensure a seamless connection between the two administrations.
Muhammad Hafiz Bayero will serve as the Senior Advisor Counsellor to the Governor, while Barrister James Atung Kanyip and Chris Umar have been appointed Deputy Chiefs of Staff.
Additionally, Dr. Shehu Usman Muhammad and Bulus Banquo Audu have been appointed as Counsellors to the Governor.
Sani Liman, a highly experienced retired intelligence officer and astute administrator, has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff. Liman previously served as the Comptroller of Immigration Service in both Kano and Kaduna State.
He holds a Bachelor of Education in English from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master of Science degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from Open University of Nigeria. He has also completed courses in Corporate Leadership, People Management, and Intelligence Management.
Furthermore, Habiba Anana Shekarau, the current Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government Affairs, has been appointed as the Head of Service.
Shekarau brings over thirty years of experience in the Kaduna State Civil Service, having held positions such as Permanent Secretary in various departments, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Civil Service Commission, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
These appointments reflect the need for competent and knowledgeable individuals to support the new administration in achieving its goals. The appointees bring diverse experiences, skills, and proven track records of integrity, dedication, and commitment to duty.
Governor Uba Sani urged the appointees to view their appointments as a call to duty and emphasized the expectations of the people of Kaduna State for results. He congratulated them on their appointments and wished them Allah’s guidance in their new roles.
The complete list of newly appointed officials includes Balarabe Abbas Lawal as the Secretary to the State Government, Sani Liman as Chief of Staff, Habiba Anana Shekarau as Head of Service, Muhammad Hafiz Bayero as Senior Advisor/Counsellor, James Atung Kanyip as Deputy Chief of Staff (Deputy Governor’s Office), Chris Umar as Deputy Chief of Staff (Legal and Legislative Matters), and others.
The remaining appointees are as follows: Abubakar Haruna as Deputy Chief of Staff (Support Services), Prof. Bello Ayuba as Principal Private Secretary, Dr. Shehu Usman Muhammad as Counsellor for Political Affairs, Bulus Banquo Audu as Counsellor for Land Matters, Hafsah Aminu Ashiru as Private Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Naja’atu Garba Ahmed as Senior Special Assistant (Governor’s Office), Dr. John Danfulani as Senior Special Assistant (Research and Documentation), and Shuaibu Isah Gimi as Senior Special Assistant (Strategic Communication).
Additionally, Nasiru Abdulkadir has been appointed as Senior Special Assistant (Print Media), Dahiru Ahmed as Senior Special Assistant (Electronic Media), Samuel Mock Kure as Senior Special Assistant (Public Affairs), Manassah Turaki Peter as Senior Special Assistant (Public Communication, Deputy Governor’s Office), Peter Ibrahim as Senior Special Assistant (Media and Communication – Deputy Governor’s Office), Zainab Mohammed as Senior Special Assistant (Kashim Ibrahim Fellows), Jewel Tokpa as Senior Special Assistant (COS’s Office), and Umar Sani Maikudi as Senior Special Assistant (Economic Matters).
The statement further mentioned the appointment of Shuaibu Kabir Bello as Senior Special Assistant (ICT), Maureen Okogwu-Ikokwu as Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties), Maryam Abubakar as Senior Special Assistant (Inter-Governmental Relations), Muhammad Bashir Aliyu as Senior Special Assistant (PPS’s Office), and Iliasu Mamman as Senior Special Assistant (Protocol, Abuja).