Kano governor Yusuf denies ‘exchanging blows’ with SSG

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano has denied claims that he exchanged blows with the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abdullahi Bichi after which he sacked him.

Yusuf said this while dismissing claims that he had sacked the SSG.

He spoke on Tuesday during the swearing-in of 21 new permanent secretaries and aides.

Yusuf also swore in 15 additional Special Advisers and Chairman of Babeji LGC, Aliyu Ibrahim Kuki, who succeeded the late council chairman at the event.

Yusu used the occasion to respond for the first time to rumours that he had sacked Bichi.

He explained that the SSG is still in full charge while attributing rumours of his removal to idle gossipers

“I personally overheard some useless persons speaking with full authority in local radio programmes that we have exchanged deadly blows between myself and the SSG.

“You know some people who are jobless and see politics as their sources of living always try to create rumours, to create unnecessary tension, but this time they have failed woefully,” he said.

Yusuf said that the SSG is right now recuperating from his sickness and as soon as he is back he will take charge his position and continue from where he stopped.

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“Because we have appointed the State Head of Service as acting SSG, does not mean we sacked Bichi; we cannot allow the position to be vacant because of its sensitive nature,” he stated.

The exercise took place at the African House, Government House, Kano.

Yusuf said their appointment was based on integrity and antecedents, asking them not to betray his confidence.