Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the appointment of Dr Mohammed Goje as Acting Secretary to the State Government, the governor’s media aide, Mamman Mohammed, announced on Wednesday. The appointment takes effect immediately.
Dr Goje, who previously served as Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), will assume the responsibilities of Acting Secretary pending the confirmation of a permanent appointment. In the statement, Governor Buni urged the new appointee to “rededicate himself to the service of the state and the betterment of its people.”
The change follows the emergence of former Secretary to the State Government Baba Malam Wali as Governor Buni’s preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election. Wali’s positioning has intensified scrutiny of the Secretary’s office, prompting the governor to reinforce the role with a trusted official.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is a senior position within the Yobe State executive, responsible for coordinating the activities of ministries, overseeing policy implementation, and serving as the chief liaison between the governor and civil service. By appointing Dr Goje, who has experience managing emergency response through SEMA, the administration signals a focus on administrative continuity and crisis management capability.
The governor’s office did not disclose whether a formal vetting process preceded the appointment or outline the timeline for confirming a permanent SSG. It also did not indicate whether Dr Goje will retain any duties at SEMA during his tenure as Acting Secretary.
Stakeholders, including political analysts and civil society groups, are watching the development for its implications on the upcoming election cycle. The appointment may also affect the dynamics within the governor’s inner circle, as the role traditionally influences the coordination of electoral strategies and policy priorities.
Future updates are expected from the governor’s office concerning the confirmation process for the permanent Secretary position and any subsequent reshuffling of the state’s executive team.
