El-Rufai sacks 20 permanent secretaries

Kaduna Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai yesterday fired 20 out of the about 35 Permanent Secretaries in the state.

According to the Governor, the sack was necessitated by his administration’s desire to reduce the cost of governance in the state.

With the latest decision of government, El-Rufai has succeeded in making good his promise and resolve to reduce the state’s ministries from 19 to 13.

The Governor’s decision was communicated to newsmen yesterday through a press statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan.

“In line with its resolve to cut the cost of running government, the Kaduna State Government has announced the retirement of 20 Permanent Secretaries. This decision follows the streamlining of ministries in the State from 19 to a leaner 13, as part of efforts to free up resources to be used for providing schools, hospitals, roads and other public goods.

“The Government, which had at inception declared its determination to cut costs, drive efficiency and improve service delivery, is continuing the restructuring of its agencies. To ensure that the number of Permanent Secretaries is properly aligned with the new structure, there will be only 13 Permanent Secretaries for the 13 ministries.

“In addition, five departments will be headed by Permanent Secretaries. These are: the Public Service Office; the Bureau of Establishments; Political and Economic Affairs; Cabinet and Security Services and General Services. This will bring the total number of Permanent Secretaries in the civil service to 18.

“The Governor has conveyed his appreciation for the services the departing permanent secretaries have offered the state, and he has wished them the best in their future endeavours,” the statement, reads in part.

The Governor’s aide further listed the 13 ministries as: Justice, Agriculture and Forestry, Commerce; Industry and Tourism, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Youth; Sports and Culture and Environment; and Natural Resources.

Others are: Women Affairs and Social Development, Water Resources, Health and Human Services, Education, Science and Technology, Budget and Planning, Finance and Works, Housing and Transport.

(Ismail Omipidan, DAILY SUN)