I am neither a praise singer, a bloviator, nor a rabble-rouser. In fact, I have deliberately avoided writing personalities into public discourse unless there is a compelling reason to do so. Today, however, I find myself making an exception.
That exception is the Deputy Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, popularly known as Commander.
Some may ask: Why him? Why now?
The answer is simple.
Recently, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf publicly acknowledged the loyalty, commitment and dedication of his deputy. Though I am paraphrasing the governor’s remarks, the message was unmistakable. It was not the routine political compliment often exchanged in public gatherings. It was an expression of confidence that appeared to come from conviction.
In government, trust is one of the most valuable currencies. Governors do not hand over sensitive assignments to deputies simply because protocol demands it. They do so because they believe such assignments will be executed competently and faithfully.
Since assuming office as Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo has increasingly become one of the governor’s trusted representatives in engagements that require diplomacy, policy articulation and relationship-building. The pattern is becoming difficult to ignore.
Perhaps the clearest example came during the recent strategic visit by a high-powered delegation of European Union Heads of Mission and their deputies, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot.
Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Garo received the delegation and held discussions on issues critical to Kano’s development. The meeting focused on sustainable urban development, youth empowerment, social inclusion, infrastructure, climate resilience and investment opportunities.
During the engagement, Kano State presented its Urban Development Strategy, developed with technical support from UN-Habitat, outlining a long-term vision for sustainable metropolitan growth, improved infrastructure, regional integration and economic expansion. Garo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability and creating an enabling environment for responsible local and international investment. The delegation included representatives of UNICEF, GIZ, Plan International, UN-Habitat and other international development partners, underscoring the strategic importance of the engagement.
The assignment was significant. International diplomacy demands preparation, confidence and clarity. Every statement made during such engagements reflects not only the individual speaking but the entire government. That Governor Yusuf entrusted his deputy with that responsibility speaks volumes about the confidence he has in him.
Moreso, Garo again represented Kano State at the North-West Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty. The dialogue brought together governors, policymakers and development partners to deliberate on practical solutions to poverty, youth unemployment and inclusive economic growth across the North-West. Observers noted that many of the development priorities he articulated during the EU engagement aligned closely with discussions at the regional forum, reinforcing Kano’s commitment to collaborative development.
These are not ceremonial appearances. They are responsibilities that require an understanding of governance, diplomacy and development policy.
Effective governance depends largely on the relationship between a governor and a deputy governor. History has shown that where distrust exists, government often loses focus and the people ultimately pay the price. Conversely, when there is mutual confidence, responsibilities are delegated effectively, decisions are implemented more efficiently and governance becomes more responsive.
The recent public commendation by Governor Yusuf therefore carries significance beyond mere politics. It suggests that Kano currently enjoys a leadership partnership built on cooperation. If that relationship continues to grow, it can only strengthen the administration’s capacity to deliver on its promises.
Judging by the governor’s public endorsement and the calibre of responsibilities already entrusted to him, Murtala Sule Garo appears to be earning that confidence through service rather than rhetoric.
One thing is becoming increasingly clear: Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo is steadily defining the office of the Deputy Governor. By God’s Grace, history will ultimately place him among Kano’s most impactful deputy governors.
Time, as always, will be the ultimate judge.
Muazzamu Muhammad writes from Kano State
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