Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has suspended the Acting Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Salisu Mustapha, with immediate effect over allegations of salary deductions and non-payment of civil servants’ salaries.

A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, confirmed that Mustapha has also been directed to step aside from his role as Permanent Secretary, Establishment, under the Office of the Head of Service, to allow for an unhindered investigation.

To ensure administrative continuity, the governor has approved the appointment of Malam Umar Muhammad Jalo as the new Acting Head of Service, pending the outcome of the ongoing probe.

In response to reports of salary deductions affecting civil servants in Kano State, the government has inaugurated an investigative panel to uncover the circumstances surrounding the alleged underpayment.

While inaugurating the committee on behalf of Governor Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim, vowed that those responsible for the illegal salary cuts would be exposed and punished.

He stated, “The era of shortchanging our workers is over. This is a government of accountability, and no one will be spared if found guilty.”

He assured civil servants that the administration remains committed to justice, transparency, and the prompt payment of salaries, warning that anyone found culpable of exploiting workers would face severe consequences.

“This administration will not tolerate any act of injustice against our workers. Anyone complicit in this reprehensible act will face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough audit of the state’s payroll from October 2024 to February 2025, identifying affected workers, determining the financial impact, and recommending corrective and punitive actions.

The seven-member committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Abdulkadir Abdussalam, who is also the immediate past State Accountant-General.

Speaking after the inauguration, Abdussalam assured that the committee would conduct its investigation diligently and within the stipulated one-week timeframe.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on financial malpractice, warning that anyone found guilty would face severe consequences.