The Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has dissolved the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, citing the recent Supreme Court judgment granting full autonomy to local governments across Nigeria. The decision was revealed during the swearing-in ceremony of three newly appointed commissioners on Monday.
Governor Mohammed explained that the scrapping of the ministry aligns with the government’s efforts to cut down on the cost of governance and streamline state operations. “We have to reposition ourselves by reducing the size of government establishments and implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy,” the governor stated. He further emphasized, “There will no longer be a commissioner for local government in Bauchi State.”
Read also: Nationwide protest last resort over fuel price hike — NANS
The ministry’s dissolution follows the tragic passing of the last commissioner, Ahmed Aliyu Jalam, who died in a road accident four months ago. Additionally, two other commissioners from the ministry had resigned to contest in the August local government elections.
The governor also announced the appointment of three new commissioners to key positions: Sani Mohammed Dambam as the new Commissioner for Health, Zainab Babatakko to head the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, and Engr. Mohammed Abdulk as the Commissioner for Commerce.
Governor Bala Mohammed’s strategic move is expected to have significant implications for governance in Bauchi State, as the state adopts a new approach to local government administration in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
