Kebbi Governor Suspends Health Commissioner Over Alleged Negligence

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has suspended the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Musa-Ismail, over allegations of negligence of duty and disregard for official responsibilities. The governor’s decision, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Yahaya Sarki, who explained that the suspension followed a directive asking the commissioner to show cause and provide sufficient reasons why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. Governor Idris, in the statement, emphasized that his administration has zero tolerance for negligence, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare, adding that every public officer entrusted with leadership responsibility must be prepared to justify the confidence reposed in them. While the government did not disclose specific details of the allegations, sources suggested that the suspension was linked to lapses in the ministry’s operations and concerns about the commissioner’s handling of urgent health matters in the state. Kebbi, like many other northern states, continues to face challenges in primary healthcare delivery, maternal and child health, and the management of preventable diseases, areas considered to be at the core of the health ministry’s responsibilities. The suspension is to remain in effect pending the outcome of further investigations and the governor’s review of the commissioner’s response to the show-cause notice. So far, no acting commissioner has been named to oversee the affairs of the ministry, leaving uncertainty about immediate leadership arrangements. The development has attracted mixed reactions across the state, with some praising the governor for his firm stance on accountability and others urging the government to be more transparent by disclosing the commissioner’s exact failings. Civil society groups have also stressed the need for the state government to ensure that the suspension does not disrupt essential health services, particularly ongoing immunization campaigns and efforts to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure. As at the time of filing this report, Alhaji Yunusa Musa-Ismail has not made any public comment regarding the suspension, but political observers maintain that his response, as well as the outcome of the investigation, will determine whether he will be reinstated, redeployed, or permanently removed from office. The decision has put renewed attention on governance in Kebbi, reinforcing Governor Idris’s resolve to maintain discipline and demand effective service delivery from members of his cabinet.