Permsec: Zamfara govt makes U-turn, recognises Maryam Keshinro as indigene

Zamfara State government has reversed its earlier stand on the recently appointed Federal Permanent Secretary, Mrs Maryam Ismail Keshinro, by recognizing her as an indigene of the state.

The government had earlier in a letter issued by the Head of Service, Alhaji Ahmad Liman, rejected the appointment of Mrs Keshinro on the grounds that she was not an indigene of the state.

The letter of rejection dated May 24, 2024, also requested the federal government to drop Mrs Keshinro’s name, citing eligibility criteria in the public service rules and a 2023 tenure policy circular as reasons for her outright drop from the list of the permanent secretaries.

However, the state’s Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Mannir Haidara, told the Daily Trust on phone, yesterday, that findings by the state government have proven that Mrs Keshinro is an indigene of the state.

Haidara said: “Our findings indicated that Maryam was actually born and brought up in Tsafe town, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

I think she was not known to many people because she did all her working career outside the state.

“Those doubting her indigeneship did not go further about her background. But as far as Zamfara State government is concerned, Maryam is one of us and the government is happy for her elevation to the status of federal permanent secretary.

“The government is therefore appealing to Mrs Keshinro to work hand-in-hand with Zamfara State government to move the state to greater heights. Zamfara state government is in dear need of support from experienced people like her to move the state forward.”

Also confirming her indigeneship, the Secretary to the Tsafe Emirate Council, Alhaji Hassan Muhammad Bawa, said Mrs Keshinro is an indigene of the Zamfara, as according to him, she was not only born in the Zamfara, but acquired her early education in Tsafe town.

Consequently, Malam Musa Ibrahim, a resident of Tsafe, who grew up together with Maryam, told Daily Trust that she left the community for Kaduna in the course of her studies, noting that “We grew up together in the same area before she relocated to Kaduna for studies.”

“Her late father, who died about four years ago, was a pastor. I can vividly remember any time she visits her family, she used to come along with drinking water (bottle water) and when it is time for prayer, she will go to the neighbouring house, pray and then return to her family house.

“I personally knew Maryam and I can testify this anywhere that Maryam was born and brought up here in Tsafe Cikin Gari. Her family house is located directly behind Tsafe Motor Park.

Meanwhile, Governor Dauda Lawal had hosted Mrs Keshinro in Abuja in a show of solidarity and support, a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed.

While congratulating Dr. Maryam, Governor Lawal urged her to be a good ambassador of Zamfara State, saying “your appointment is indeed a remarkable milestone that we hope and pray you will utilize for the service of our dear nation and also help us in our quest to rebuild our beloved state.”

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