In a move observers said was designed to secure a firm grip on the affairs of the state, Kaduna state governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, has relieved five key aides of the late governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, of their appointment, and replaced them with his own men.
Kaduna state Commissioner of Information, Saidu Adamu, made the announcement on the state-run KSMC Radio and KSTV.
The aides given the boot include, Lawal Samaila Abdullahi, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abokie Galadima, Chief of Staff Government House Kaduna, Reuben Buhari, Senior Special Assistant Media, Yohanna Allamagni, Principal Private Secretary, Engr. Bala, Political Adviser.
They were replaced with the following, Hamza Ishaq Danmahawayi as SSG, Yahaya Aminu Chief of Staff, Ahmed Maiyaki Director General Media and Publicity to the Governor, Aliyu Samaila PPS, and Garba Madami as Political Adviser.
However, Huhuonline.com learnt that the sacked aides took their dismissal in stride as the public perception of the move by the new governor, who replaced Yakowa after he died in a helicopter crash last November, was done in good faith to enable him takie full control of the affairs of Kaduna State, and not aimed at witch-hunting Yakowa’s men from the commanding heights of authority in the state.
In another development, the Bayelsa State Government, appointed a former PDP governorship aspirant Mr. Francis Doukpola, as Chairman of the Bayelsa State Post-Flood Management Committee. Doukpola replaces the late former National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Gen. Andrew Azazi, who was until his death, the Chairman of the committee.
Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, in a statement in Yenagoa, said the new appointment was against the backdrop of the unfortunate helicopter crash that claimed the life of Azazi. Azazi died alongside the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Yakowa, and four others on December 15 after a naval helicopter they boarded crashed at the creeks of Okoroba, Nembe Local Government Area of the state.
