Jigawa State Governor has suspended the Special Adviser on Salary and Pensions, Bashir Ado, following false reports that he approved a ₦70,000 minimum wage for state workers. The suspension comes after a media circulation based on Ado’s statement, which the governor’s office called premature and misleading.
Suspension Announced by State Government
The suspension was confirmed in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, in Dutse. Ibrahim clarified that the governor had not yet approved the new minimum wage and that a committee tasked with advising on the matter had not completed its work. The committee is still in the process of evaluating the appropriate wage structure for the state.
Premature Announcement and Investigation
Bala Ibrahim criticized Ado’s statement as “embarrassing and premature,” given that the committee, led by the Head of the State Civil Service, had not yet submitted its report. The governor has now directed the committee to investigate the source, content, and motive behind Ado’s misleading announcement.
“This sounds embarrassing and premature as the committee set up by the government to advise on the appropriate wage is yet to complete its assignment and submit a report,” the statement read.
Formation of an Investigative Committee
In response to the incident, the governor has approved the formation of a new investigative committee under the chairmanship of the State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Bello Abdulkadir. This committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the false announcement and present its findings.
Other members of the committee include the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Sagir Musa; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad; and the Permanent Secretary for Establishment and Service Matters, Muhammad Hahaha.
Conclusion
The suspension of Bashir Ado is pending the outcome of the committee’s investigation. The government of Jigawa State remains committed to a transparent process in determining the appropriate minimum wage for its workers.
