Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has relieved Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko of her duties as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, in what the government described as a “minor change” to the State Executive Council.

The announcement was made early Monday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, who explained that the decision takes immediate effect.

“In that respect, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko, has been relieved of her appointment with immediate effect. The governor thanks the Honourable Commissioner for her services to the State and wishes her success in her future endeavours,” Gidado said.

Cabinet Reshuffle Raises Eyebrows

While the government described the move as a routine adjustment, the sudden removal of the Women Affairs Commissioner has generated political buzz across Bauchi State. The decision comes at a time when the governor’s administration is under increased scrutiny over civil service discipline and accountability.

Recent Civil Service Crackdown

The development follows the Bauchi State Civil Service Commission’s recent dismissal of two senior government officials for forgery. According to a statement issued by the commission’s Information and Public Relations Officer, Saleh Umar, the dismissed officials were found guilty of forgery and falsification of official documents, an offence that violates the State Public Service Rule 0327 (ii, iii, and vi).

In a related action, an education officer was also dismissed on September 11 for gross misconduct involving sexual harassment.

These back-to-back disciplinary measures suggest that Governor Bala Mohammed is sending a clear message of zero tolerance for misconduct within his administration.

Looking Ahead

While no replacement for Hajiya Zainab Baban-Takko has been announced, political observers believe this cabinet change could signal further reshuffling of key positions as Governor Mohammed continues to assert control and demand accountability across the state’s ministries.