Asiku reshuffles Yumbe district executive, retains only vice chairperson

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Newly sworn-in Yumbe district chairperson Abdulmutalib Mahamoud Asiku has unveiled a largely reshuffled executive committee, retaining only his former vice chairperson, Linus Kayiah, from the previous administration.

Asiku, who is serving his second term in office, worked with Kayiah in the district’s sixth council from 2021 to 2026.

Kayiah, the councillor representing Drajini sub-county, was not only retained as vice chairperson but was also entrusted with the additional role of secretary for finance, planning and administration, signalling the district chairperson’s continued confidence in him.

The new appointments mark a significant reorganisation of the district executive, with several new faces taking up key portfolios in the seventh council of Yumbe district.

Linus Kayiah, new vice chairman taking oath. (Photo by Adam Gule)

Asiku replaced Kadara Alia, who served in the sixth council as the female councillor representing Aria and Apo sub-counties and now represents older persons.

During the sixth council, Alia first served as secretary for works and technical services before later becoming secretary for production, marketing and natural resources.

Her replacement, Hassan Baba Bamuke, the directly elected councillor representing Apo sub-county, now assumes the position of secretary for production, marketing and natural resources.

Asiku, who was sworn in on May 19, 2026, also nominated former deputy speaker of Yumbe district and councillor representing Lodonga subcounty and Lodonga town council, Zakia Aduyo, as secretary for social services.

She replaces Samadu Aguku, the councillor representing Midigo town council, who was elected district speaker.

Meanwhile, Siraji Aga, a veteran politician and councillor representing Kululu subcounty, was appointed secretary for works, technical services and Security, replacing Alli Kalafani Drasi, the former councillor representing Bijo subcounty.

In line with the law, all nominated members were unanimously approved, ushering in a new executive team for the district’s seventh council.

Selection criteria

According to Asiku, the appointments were guided by considerations of equity, unity, fairness, experience and religion.

He said educational qualifications were also a major factor in the selection process.

"The fact that we have four constituencies and we are a community of diverse religions, the nominations today shall cater for all because in this 7th council, we believe in equity,unity and quality service delivery," he said.

Asiku explained that Bamuke’s appointment was influenced by his educational background and professional experience as a teacher and acting deputy head teacher at Romogi Seed Secondary School.

Bamuke holds a diploma in secondary education, specialising in agriculture and represents Aringa East Constituency.

He added that Aduyo holds a degree and diploma in social work and social administration, alongside certificates in administrative law and primary education.

According to Asiku, Aduyo represents women’s interests in the council. He noted that both he and the district speaker come from Aringa North, which limited the possibility of appointing another representative from the same area.

Asiku further described Aga as a seasoned politician who began his political career in 2001 when Yumbe attained district status. Aga holds a degree in social work and social administration, as well as a certificate in administrative law.

He described Aga as humble, peace-loving and a unifying figure in the district. Aga represents Aringa County in the council.

Meanwhile, Kayiah holds a degree in social work and social administration, a diploma in secondary education and a certificate in administrative law. Before joining the district council, he served two terms as LC3 chairperson for Drajini sub-county.

Asiku said Kayiah represents the interests of the Christian community and the people of Aringa South Constituency.

Kayiah welcomed the appointments and praised the district chairperson for what he described as balanced nominations.

He pledged to serve ordinary citizens and promote peace and unity for development in the district.

Aduyo described her appointment as a sign of trust, promising to serve with integrity and commitment.

Mahad Swadik, a resident of Lodonga sub-county, said the nominations appeared balanced and carefully considered.

He urged the new executive members to support the district chairperson in ensuring quality and equitable service delivery across Yumbe district.