Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf and his political godfather, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso appear to be locking horns over two top government appointees.
It was gathered in Kano on Tuesday that the governor allegedly refused to sack the Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Abdullahi Bichi as directed by Kwankwaso.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) source said Kwankwaso was uncomfortable with Bichi’s refusal to take instructions from him in handling some of his official duties.
The news agency also gathered that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) national leader wanted Dantiye to be replaced with a social media influencer whom he considered more competent to manage the ministry and image of the state government.
Sources close to the governor said Yusuf would rather have a one-to-one discussion with Kwankwaso over the issue than act on his ‘orders’.
NAN further gathered that a group known as “Abba Tsaya Da Kafarka,” meaning,” Abba, Wake Up And Assert Yourself” has emerged, in support of Yusuf.
According to sources close to the group, it has become important for Yusuf to stop behaving like an errand boy.
The source said the group believed that Kwankwaso hand-picked most of the government’s political office holders, including the commissioners.
NAN also found that members of the National Assembly on the platform of the NNPP recently met with Yusuf and urged him to assert his independence.
Similarly, Alhaji Hamisu Dumgurawa, chairman of NNPP in Kano State, has announced the suspension of the SSG and Alhaji Muhammad Doggon, Commissioner for Transport from the party.
He said that the two principal officers were suspended over alleged anti-party activities.
When contacted Kwankwaso said he was in line with the actions of the party chairman, adding that as a loyal party man, he would not contradict the party leadership.
“I will not say anything more since the party chairman has already addressed it”, he said.
