A civil society organisation, 4ward Kano Group, on Sunday raised objections over the reported plan by Abba Kabir Yusuf to appoint Murtala Sule Garo as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State, following the resignation of Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
In a statement issued in Kano, the group described the proposed appointment as “deeply troubling,” citing an ongoing civil suit instituted by the state government against Garo over his conduct while serving as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The statement, signed by the group’s Chairman, Nalado Habu, noted that it was contradictory for the same administration to consider elevating an individual currently facing legal scrutiny initiated by the government itself.
It warned that such a move could erode public confidence in governance and accountability.
“We find it disturbing that an administration that has taken legal action against an individual over alleged misconduct is now under pressure to reward the same person with a higher and more sensitive office,” the statement read.
The group argued that the office of the deputy governor demands unquestionable integrity and public trust, stressing that any pending legal issues should be conclusively addressed before such an appointment is considered.
It further alleged that there were covert efforts by certain political actors to push through the nomination, urging the governor to resist what it described as undue influence and prioritise the interest of Kano State residents.
The group also called on relevant stakeholders, including the Kano State House of Assembly, to exercise due diligence and uphold transparency in the confirmation process if the nomination is formally presented.
It maintained that adherence to the rule of law and ethical governance must remain paramount, warning that any deviation could set a dangerous precedent for public office appointments.
The group also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other key stakeholders to dissociate themselves from the alleged plan and allow justice to take its full course.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kano State Government nor Garo had issued an official response to the concerns raised.
By Ahmad Sorondinki,
Follow us on:
