Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has directed newly appointed commissioners and special advisers to accelerate project delivery and improve governance as his administration prepares to leave office in 2027.
Yahaya gave the directive on Tuesday during the swearing-in of the appointees at the International Conference Centre in Gombe, stressing that the remaining months of his administration must not be marked by a slowdown in government activities.
He said the appointments were intended to strengthen governance, consolidate achievements and ensure the completion of ongoing projects before the end of his eight-year tenure, which began in May 2019.
The governor warned that his administration would not tolerate inefficiency, complacency or administrative lapses at a time when the government had limited time to fulfil its commitments to residents.
“At this stage of our administration, we have neither the luxury of time nor the resources to accommodate inefficiency, complacency or administrative lapses,” he said.
Yahaya urged the commissioners to familiarise themselves with the policies and projects of their ministries and work closely with permanent secretaries and other senior officials to improve coordination and ensure prudent management of public resources.
He also tasked the special advisers with providing practical and timely recommendations to strengthen executive decision-making, identify emerging challenges and improve policy implementation.
The governor listed road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, environmental protection, urban development and institutional reforms among the areas requiring continued attention.
He said his administration had pursued these priorities despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recessions, fiscal pressures and security concerns.
Yahaya further warned the appointees against corruption, indiscipline and abuse of office, insisting that public positions must be exercised in the interest of the people.
“Our administration will not tolerate corruption, indiscipline, abuse of office, or any conduct capable of undermining the credibility of government,” he said.
He called for cooperation among commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and other government officials, cautioning against unhealthy rivalry and personal interests that could undermine effective administration.
The governor also highlighted reforms in the civil service, land administration and local government administration, saying they were designed to improve efficiency and make public institutions more responsive.
He commended the Gombe State House of Assembly for the prompt screening and confirmation of the commissioner-nominees, noting that cooperation between the executive and legislature had supported the implementation of the administration's development agenda.
Yahaya said his administration remained committed to handing over a state in better condition than it was when he assumed office in 2019, urging residents to support government efforts towards peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
The newly appointed officials include Dr Ahmed Wali Doho, Special Duties and Regional Cooperation; Nasiru Adamu Degri, Water Resources; and Dr Muhammad A. Bello, Policy Coordination and Performance Tracking.
Abdulmalik Musa Jibrin was appointed Special Adviser on Transportation, while Mohammed Bashir Nuhu was named Special Adviser on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Adamu Inuwa Pantami was also appointed Special Adviser on Special Duties.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Shehu Yerima Abdullahi was redeployed to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to fill an existing vacancy.
The governor congratulated the appointees and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them through competence, integrity and commitment to public service.
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