– Viva Governor for strengthening TRUST, TIES, RELIABILITY
By Abba Anwar
On 27th April, 2026, Kano State House of Assembly screened and confirmed His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, as the Deputy Governor under Section 191(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, after the resignation of the then Deputy Governor, His Excellency Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
His swearing-in took place on 5th May 2026, at Government House, Kano. From the day of his inauguration, to date 20th June, he is 47 days in office.
Since his swearing-in HE Garo represented his Principal, His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, at several high-level state, diplomatic, and regional functions. In both the number and nature of events, where he represented the Governor, it becomes evidently clear that, the Governor places trust and reposes confidence in his brand new Deputy, ab initio.
Before going direct to the representation log, let me revisit the confidence and commitment he exhibited as he reaffirmed commitment to the “Kano First Agenda” on education, water, healthcare, job creation and agriculture. His acceptance speech sets new phase of harmonious working relationship between Governor and his Deputy.
When some Deputy Governors from across our six geo-political zones, within the period under review, represented their Principals once or twice or even nil, Deputy Garo represented his Principal for about ten (10) times. Without any hindrance or obstruction.
I am not interrogating other Deputies for the very limited number of the representation of their Principals. Neither am I challenging anybody for that. Only that I think HE Garo’s number of representation could be more contextualized when compared with others.
I do not include in my analysis, condolence visits, Wedding Fatiha attendance and visiting hospitals to check on sick people. Because these are things he has been engaging in for years before he becomes the Deputy Governor. My concern is only on state matters. Matters that are official.
To begin with diplomatic assignment, on the 8th of June he represented the Governor when European Union Ambassadors and representatives of EU member states, led by EU Ambassador His Excellency Gautier Mignot, visited Government House, Kano. He presented on behalf of Governor Yusuf, Kano’s Urban Development Strategy. Particularly when he called for stronger EU collaboration in urban development, education, agriculture, climate resilience and digital transformation.
The following day, on 9th June he stood in for the Governor at a Policy Dialogue Meeting of the North West Governors’ Forum held in Kano. The meeting focused on the regional Peace, Security and Development Framework 2026–2030.
As of 13th June, Kano Deputy Governor represented Principal at the closing ceremony of the North-West Veterans All-Star “Renewed Hope” Tournament held at Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Kano. In his remarks he described sports as a growing tool for national unity, youth engagement and economic development. A factual observation of a vibrant and youthful Deputy.
If not because I mentioned earlier that the condolence visits wouldn’t be part of my piece, I would have cited an example of the 14th June event, when HE Garo represented Governor Yusuf at a condolence visit to the family of renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Gwani Tahir at Yakasai Quarters. Whose death was described by many as a huge loss to Kano State and the Muslim community.
On 18th June he ably represented the Governor at the combined graduation ceremony of Logistics Officers and Ratings at the Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Dawakin Tofa. In his soundly designed speech, as a Guest of Honour he commended the institution and urged graduates to uphold loyalty, integrity and professionalism. A call greeted by an interesting and catchy ovation in the hall.
His Excellency Garo, that, for now, I call “Garo Ka Iya Deputy” represented the Governor on 27th May, when he commissioned the NNPC Ltd. 3 Million Metric Tons LPG Storage and Bottling Plant by Kanawa Gas Ltd. in Tundun Wada local government area, highlighting the administration’s energy infrastructure agenda.
As some Deputies across the six geo-political zones, were able to represent their governors, within the last 47 days, thrice or twice or once some even nil, not because they are inept or any similar setback, Kano Deputy went ahead and stood for his Governor on 29th May, at the North-West Governors’ Forum Meeting on Security and Development in Kaduna. When he joined other Deputy Governors to deliberate on regional security.
On 3rd June, as a representative of the Governor, he commissioned the 500-Bed Capacity Mother and Child Hospital at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, Kano. As he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maternal and child health.
Four days after, that was on the 7th June, he represented the Governor in a meeting with the Kano Civil Society Forum on Budget Performance at the Deputy Governor’s Office, focusing on 2026 budget implementation and accountability. There, he gave some highlights on budget tracking system and budget accountability, as key for societal development.
He represented the Governor on 12th June, Democracy Day, when he served as Chief Guest of Honour at the Democracy Day Interfaith Prayer and Civic Parade at Sani Abacha Stadium. His composure and colorful outing made significant engagement with attendees.
On behalf of the Governor, he inspected, on 15th June, ongoing road projects along Kwanar Dangora–Zaria Road and Dala–Kofar Mata Road. When he assessed the progress if the projects. As he, eye-ball-to-eyeball, engaged contractors. He reiterated Governor’s directive, as to the importance attached to the projects, by the state government.
Lastly on 18th June, the able Deputy represented his Principal at a meeting with the Kano Emirate Council and Traditional Rulers at Gidan Rumfa, discussing security, Sallah preparations, and the role of traditional institutions in nation building.
To allow my readers fully understand the close working relationship that exists between Governor Yusuf and his Deputy Garo, I assessed all the six geo-political zones and picked two Governors from each zone, to measure the rate, at which Deputies represented their Bosses within the period under review, that is 47 days, starting from 5th May.
My comparison was not in any way, interrogating some actions or inactions. I am only trying to highlight how the relationship between Kano Governor and his Deputy started on sound footing. When trust, reliability and reposing confidence in the latter characterize the official relationship and beyond.
Let me start with the North West. I already gave out what is obtained in Kano state.
In Kaduna state the Deputy Governor Her Excellency Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe under the same period, she represented Governor Uba Sani at three key functions. On 18th, stood for the Governor at the North West Summit in Kaduna. Around May, she represented her Boss at the flag-off of the 2026 Hajj Exercise at Mando Hajj Camp and on a weekend in mid-May, she represented the Governor at Kafanchan New Township Stadium during Senator Sunday Marshall Katung’s re-election declaration.
In North East I selected Bauchi state Deputy Governor, His Excellency Auwal Jatau Mohammed. In his own case, he represented Governor Bala Mohammed on three different occasions. On 3rd June, he represented the Governor at the commissioning of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Bauchi state Office and mega schools at Dungal village, as he commended NEDC’s education projects. While on 1st May, he also represented his Governor at the inauguration of PDP North-East Zonal officials in Bauchi.
While in Adamawa state, the Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa George Farauta, represented Governor, His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at PAWECA Fintiri Business Wallet Phase 4 Disbursement, inauguration ceremony in Yola. The Deputy Governor also represented the Governor at Batta Traditional Council Chieftaincy Title Conferment, in Hama Bata Palace, in Demsa town. As well as during the swearing-in of 13 Permanent Secretaries and Sole Administrator, in Yola.
For North Central zone I picked Nassarawa state and Benue state. The Deputy Governor of Nassarawa state Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, represented his Governor during Rural Women Special Cash Grant Flag-off, at Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, Lafia, Nasarawa state Capital. The Governor was again represented by the Deputy during APC National Secretariat Visit/ Speaker Selection Committee in
APC National Secretariat, Abuja.
In Benue state the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Barr. Dr. Samuel Ode, mni, stood in for his Governor during Agricultural Mechanisation Outgrower Programme Launch in the state capital, Makurdi. Then at Armed Forces Command & Staff College Delegation Reception, held at Government House, Makurdi. The Deputy Governor also represented the Governor at APC Reconciliation Meeting Press Briefing, in Makurdi. And lastly HE Ode attended the Funeral of Mama Elizabeth Apochi, at Owukpa community, Ogbadibo local government area.
Under South West, the Deputy Governor of Osun state, His Excellency Kola Adewusi represented his Governor in some occasions. On 18th June, he represented the Governor at the DAWN Commission meeting of South West Heads of Service in Osogbo. He also represented his Boss at a South West Governors’ Dialogue within the period. When Deputies from across the region met on regional unity.
On 5th June His Excellency the Deputy represented Governor Adeleke at Osun Art Surge HIV Project Launch, in Osogbo, state capital. Also at the Launch of US CDC/PEPFAR-funded HIV/AIDS project. Deputy Governor accepted nomination as ‘State Surge Champion’ on behalf of the Governor. Also during the Ooni of Ife Royal Visit by Adeleke Campaign Team, when the Governor led the delegation to the palace, Ile-Ife.
In Lagos state the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Obafemi Hamzat
Hamzat represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu once only, as reported by the media, during Workers’ Day on 1st May, at Onikan Stadium, where he announced a ₦50,000 hardship bonus for Lagos workers. HE Hamzat is more busy with his 2027 election, which is around the corner.
Under South East, the Deputy Governor of Enugu state, His Excellency Ifeanyi Ossai, on 10th June, represented Governor Peter Mbah at the APC campaign flag-off for the Enugu North Senatorial bye-election held at Igbo-Etiti Local Government Headquarters.
While in Abia state, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Ikechukwu Emetu, on 1st May, he represented Governor Alex Otti at the South-East Constitution Review meeting in Owerri.
For the South South zone the
Deputy Governor of Cross River state, His Excellency Peter Odey on 14th May, represented the Governor at 2nd Cross River State Executive Council meeting, held at Governor’s Office, Calabar.
While in Rivers state the Deputy Governor Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, represented
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on 1st May, at the Workers’ Day celebration, held at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
All in all, while in some states, Deputies do not get the opportunity to represent their Bosses, the Governors, when they are outside the state attending other state matters, they instead send in State House Speakers or Secretaries to the State Government, after deliberately sending Deputies away, outside the states, in Kano state, the situation looks different.
The way His Excellency Governor Yusuf sends HE Garo to represent him in so many functions in the last 47 days when he (Garo) becomes the Deputy Governor, shows clearly that, the duo started with sound footing and normal bearing. Ours is to always pray that, may Allah continue to keep them together, protect them to deliver and guide them throughout their tenures.
Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 20th June, 2026
