Gombe gov swears in new commissioners, special advisers

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Tuesday, charged newly appointed commissioners and special advisers to translate their appointments into measurable results, warning that his administration will not tolerate inefficiency, complacency, corruption, or unnecessary bureaucratic delays as it approaches the end of its tenure.

The governor gave the charge while swearing in three commissioners and three special advisers at the International Conference Centre, Gombe, describing the appointments as part of efforts to strengthen the machinery of government, deepen institutional capacity, and sustain effective service delivery.

He said governance is a continuous process requiring competent hands, fresh perspectives, and steadfast commitment, adding that the new appointees were selected to bring their experience and expertise to bear on the implementation of government policies, programmes, and projects.

Inuwa Yahaya reminded the commissioners that they are assuming office at a critical stage of the administration, when public expectations remain high and the time available to deliver on its mandate is increasingly limited.

The governor directed the commissioners to familiarise themselves immediately with the policies, programmes, projects, and institutional responsibilities of their respective ministries, while providing the leadership necessary to achieve tangible outcomes.

According to him, “I expect each of you to work closely with your Permanent Secretaries and other senior officials to ensure effective coordination, prudent management of resources and timely implementation of government decisions.”

“You must avoid unnecessary bureaucratic delays, strengthen internal accountability and ensure that every available resource is directed towards delivering tangible benefits to our people. 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.

Addressing the newly appointed special advisers, the governor emphasised the importance of their roles in strengthening executive decision-making and improving policy implementation.

He urged them to go beyond routine recommendations by identifying emerging challenges, developing practical solutions, and supporting effective coordination across their respective areas of responsibility.

Reflecting on the administration’s journey since 2019, Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the progress recorded across key sectors, notwithstanding the challenges encountered, including the COVID-19 pandemic, two economic recessions, fiscal pressures, and security concerns.

He said his administration has remained steadfast in its determination to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Gombe State, noting that substantial investments have been made in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, environmental protection, urban development, and institutional reforms.

According to him, the government has also strengthened the state’s economic foundations, improved the business environment, and pursued policies designed to expand opportunities for citizens.

The governor further highlighted reforms undertaken in the civil service, land administration, and local government administration, among other areas, to build a more efficient, accountable, and responsive system of governance.

He declared that the remaining months of his administration will be characterised by renewed energy, greater discipline, and intensified service delivery, rather than a slowdown in government activities.

Inuwa Yahaya further charged members of the State Executive Council and other political appointees to consolidate the gains recorded since 2019 and ensure that the institutions, policies, and projects established by the administration continue to benefit the people beyond its tenure.

Reaffirming his commitment to the state’s long-term development, he reiterated his determination to leave Gombe better than he met it, urging all government officials to remain focused on delivering on the administration’s mandate.

The governor also reminded the appointees that public office is a sacred trust that must be discharged with the fear of Almighty Allah, integrity, justice, equity, and fairness.

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He warned against corruption, indiscipline, abuse of office, and any conduct capable of eroding public confidence in government, while urging the appointees to uphold the principles of accountability, peaceful political engagement, and respect for democratic institutions.

Announcing the portfolios of the newly sworn-in commissioners, Inuwa Yahaya named Dr. Ahmed Wali Doho as Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Cooperation; Nasiru Adamu Degri as Commissioner for Water Resources; and Dr. Muhammad A. Bello as Commissioner for Policy Coordination and Performance Tracking.

The governor also announced a minor cabinet reshuffle, redeploying Alhaji Shehu Yerima Abdullahi to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to fill an existing vacancy.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his commitment to strengthening governance, deepening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the machinery of government remains responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of the people.