By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
The Secretary to Kano State Government (SSG), Umar F. Ibrahim, has described as misleading media reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has instructed Ministries and parastatals to halt the forwarding of files to his office, thereby grounding public administration in the state.
In a Statement he signed and made available to journalists in Kano on Saturday, Umar F. Ibrahim, insisted that the report is “incorrect, misleading, and devoid of factual or legal basis.”
According to him, “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.”
The SSG further stated that, “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.”
According to him, “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.”
He added that, “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 SSG reassured the public 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.”
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