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HE Garo Vs Hon Kwankwaso As Deputy Gov. Candidate(s): Xraying Dakata, Danzaki Positions

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1 month ago

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By Abba Anwar

A debate comparing the Deputy Governor His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo and Hon Mustapha Rabi’u Kwankwaso, as contestants for the position of Deputy Governor in the forthcoming election, 2027, enticed me to put my pen on paper, or rather to put my fingers on keyboard. While Garo is under the platform of APC, Kwankwaso is under the platform of NDC.

An online media programme, Siyasar Zamani (modern politics) anchored on DCL Hausa platform, that hosted two gentlemen, Comrade Kabiru Sa’idu Dakata, Director General Kano State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KASA) and Musa Gambo Hamisu Danzaki, Kano State Chairman of Kwankwasiyya Movement and candidate for State House of Assembly seat, 2027, from Gezawa constituency, under the platform of NDC.

What was so enticing was each other person’s effort to prove to all that his choice is the best. Mine is not ranking both men on scale of accuracy. What the following lines carry is my non-medical Xray of the entire debate. For the public to see and examine who the cap fits.

The anchor of the programme Usman Mu’azu’s first question asked, who among the duo, Garo and Kwankwaso fits the position of a Deputy Governor and who among them has the qualities needed?

Dakata listed many reasons why his choice is better, like competence and know how when it comes to governance. He reminded listeners that HE Garo was a local government Chairman, Kabo, and was Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs. He was also Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kano State Branch.

He kept on arguing that, many believe that HE Garo is not Kwankwaso’s match when it comes to politics and mobilization. He further argued that, what the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) got during 2023 gubernatorial election in Kano, 80 percent of those who elected APC then, did it for Garo’s sake, then Deputy Gubernatorial candidate.

Comrade Dakata reminded people that, when APC was defeated in Kano, in 2023 election, it was Garo, with very few individuals, almost singlehandedly, who has been looking after party members to the present level. “While His Excellency Garo keeps his people very close to his chest, even Kwankwasiyya elements know that, he excels in politics and mobilization,” he challenged.

I’m rest assured that, the time was not on Dakata’s side, he would have mentioned HE Garo’s fitness and competence in political strategy. This was clear when he was the State Organizing Secretary of the then People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and beyond.

Up to the time of APC’s rule in Kano, especially during former Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. HE Garo was instrumental to many strategies that brought about victory to the party against opposition parties and elements.

Dakata continued dishing out reasons and instances why and where HE Garo’s pedigree and political understanding outsmart that of Mustapha Kwankwaso. Dama mana!

When he started challenging the quality, political qualifications and competence of Kwankwaso, it almost appeared that, the former Sports Commissioner, Kwankwaso, was a mere tool in the hands of political failure.

According to Dakata, Kwankwaso did not perform at all, when the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, appointed him a Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.

There was a time, Comrade reminded, when Governor Yusuf warned non-performing Commissioners to get set for exiting the administration, “… luckily for Honourable Mustapha Kwankwaso, Kwankwasiyya people with their leader Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso defected to ADC from NNPP. That was when Mustapha quickly and immediately resigned. He knew very well that when his report card was mentioned, he would be removed for being an inept and incompetent,” he challenged.

Part of Kwankwaso’s incompetence was his inability to position Kano Pillars well, Dakata examined. Explaining that, Pillars was about to ditch during his time as Commissioner for Sports. Also under youth development Dakata believes that the NDC running mate for the gubernatorial candidate, destroyed all hopes for youth development in the state.

It was only Governor Yusuf, in the opinion of Dakata who saved our youth from decaying when Kwankwaso was Commissioner. That was when Governor assigned the responsibility of youth development on some carefully selected five individuals. Who revived the 5 skills acquisition centres of the state.

After critically and unequivocally challenged Danzaki to produce a single reason which shows that Kwankwaso has any leadership quality or competence, he cautioned Danzaki to be very careful about his allegations against the Deputy Governor, Garo. Cautioning that he should be very cautious about his utterances against the Deputy.

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When Danzaki stated that, though there is a law which says a Deputy Governor must be given a portfolio in running the affairs of the state, but still, according to Danzaki, Governor Yusuf is being cautious about it, because he doesn’t want to appoint HE Garo for fear of “mismanagement.” Dakata challenged that quickly and vehemently, challenging Danzaki to bring forth such law! And at the same time challenged Danzaki for his opinion on this.

The mother of all challenge was when Dakata looked straight into the eyes of Danzaki and asked “Was there any time when His Excellency Garo was accused of drug/substance abuse? Was there a time when HE Garo was taken back home because he was so intoxicated outside, that he couldn’t even stand firm and walk? The greatest problem facing our youth nowadays is drug abuse.”

Kano state, the way Dakata described it, “… is not that bad and cheap to have people like Mustapha Kwankwaso as Deputy Governor. This is ridiculous!

For Dakata both the gubernatorial candidate, HE Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, former Deputy Governor, and his running mate Mustapha Kwankwaso, are political liabilities. He challenged that, there was no time in recent political history of Gwarzo, when he won his local government. “How do you think such kind of person can win an election in Kano, with APC on the other hand? he asked rhetorically.

In his own part Danzaki’s arguments were largely centred on passing all manner of allegations against HE Garo. That is why this piece cannot, in any way take most of his arguments. That could be term, as character assassination of some sort. So even if it is the other gentleman, Dakata who spoke defending his choice, if he resorted to the kind of arguments, posed by Danzaki, I wouldn’t have enough to quote from him. This is the fact!

The first question directed at Danzaki on why is he of the view that Hon Kwankwaso is fit for the position and what are his qualities and competencies, did not meet immediate answers, neither were the responses aligned with the question raised. The question and the attempt made by Danzaki to respond were not palatable to each other. Their tunes were diametrically opposed to each other.

His first line of response after all the usual opening as a Muslim with prayers, he went ahead to delve into his minutes praising the gubernatorial candidate Gwarzo for picking Hon Kwankwaso as his running mate.

While doing that, he brought to the table something strange, a new normal under Kwankwasiyya ideology, when he said, it was Gwarzo who singlehandedly picked Kwankwaso as his running mate, not their Jagora, Senator Kwankwaso. A revelation that sounded strange and awesome, to both Dakata and the anchor of the programme.

Why? Because that was the first time in the history of Kwankwasiyya, when people heard that there is an important position of gubernatorial candidate’s running mate who was picked, by another person not Senator Kwankwaso. Too strange to comprehend.

That was why, in his submission, Dakata challenged that, that position was not possible under Kwankwasiyya movement. According to his statement, Senator Kwankwaso is the only one with the power of selecting, nominating, appointing and confirming any positions in the movement. He said, “Even Supervisory councilors across all the state, it is Kwankwaso who does who doesn’t, who picks who drops who constructs and who deconstructs.”

It was after many minutes of hovering around and dodging to answer how competent and qualified is Hon Kwankwaso as Deputy Gubernatorial candidate, in next year’s election, Danzaki mentioned two things as his reason for taking him as fit for the position. He said Hon Kwankwaso is committed and untiring.

He continued to argue that, whoever wants to see how capable Hon Kwankwaso is, should look at how he managed the affairs of Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, when he was Commissioner. From there he didn’t bring to the table of discussion any evidence to support his claim.

When the anchor of the programme repeated the same question in the mid of the discussion, instead of him to talk about how competent is Hon Kwankwaso, he derailed and ended up in making statements of how HE Garo was picked to become the Deputy Governor few weeks back. Making all kinds of statements without any substantial evidence or explanations.

Danzaki made so many statements that cannot be repeated here, because of the weighty nature of the allegations. They were statements that were not issue-based. I saw so many commentators in the comment section, urging HE Garo to look for clear and undoubtful evidences from Danzaki over his hard statements on his personality, also as the Deputy Governor.

When the anchor was tired of Danzaki’s dilly-dallying strategy in running away from giving reasons as to why he thinks his choice is fit for the position and is the best, he asked Danzaki the same question at the end of the programme.

In his response Danzaki said, Kwankwaso assisted over ten thousand (10,000) youth when he was Commissioner. Without mentioning under what circumstances and how did the system work that way. He also put, as part of Kwankwaso’s capacity and competence, that when he was Commissioner, he was able to be getting approvals without any delay. This, to Danzaki is part of the reasons why Kwankwaso fits.

On the over ten thousand youth assisted by the former Commissioner, Danzaki promised to bring forth the list of over ten thousand names to DCL Hausa. I therefore urge DCL Hausa to please publish the names when they got the list.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 26th June, 2026

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Opinion

Rabe Darma’s First 100 Days: Laying the Foundation for Nigeria’s Housing Renaissance

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2 days ago

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August 5, 2026

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By Ahmad Danyaro
Housing is more than bricks and mortar. It is about dignity, economic opportunity, social stability, and national development. Countries that have transformed their housing sectors have not merely built homes; they have built systems that make homeownership accessible, urban development sustainable, and investments attractive. Nigeria has long struggled to achieve these ideals, but the first 100 days of Engr. Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development have offered encouraging signs that a new era may be unfolding.
Since assuming office on 27 April , Dr. Darma has approached Nigeria’s housing challenge with a clear understanding that lasting solutions require more than commissioning housing estates. Rather, they demand comprehensive reforms that address the structural barriers responsible for decades of inadequate housing delivery. His administration has focused on land administration, investment promotion, institutional coordination, industry regulation, and social inclusion—areas that form the bedrock of a sustainable housing sector.
One of the defining initiatives of his first 100 days is the proposed nationwide Social Housing Programme, designed to extend affordable housing to all 774 Local Government Areas of the federation. The programme represents one of the most ambitious efforts to decentralise housing delivery in Nigeria’s history. If effectively implemented, it has the potential not only to reduce the country’s huge housing deficit but also to stimulate local economies through construction activities, job creation, and infrastructure development.
Equally significant is the programme’s emphasis on social inclusion. By prioritising women, children, victims of insecurity, internally displaced persons, and communities affected by natural disasters, the Minister has demonstrated that housing policy must also serve as social policy. In a nation grappling with displacement caused by insecurity and climate-related disasters, such an approach reflects both compassion and strategic thinking.
Within his first 100 days, Dr. Darma has also underscored the indispensable role of private-sector participation in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit. Recognising that government resources alone cannot meet the nation’s housing needs, he has actively engaged international investors and development partners. His discussions with Japan’s CHODAI Company Limited and other prospective partners signal Nigeria’s renewed commitment to attracting global expertise, innovative technology, and long-term financing into the housing and infrastructure sectors.
Across the world, successful housing programmes are anchored on strong Public-Private Partnerships. By assuring investors that Nigeria remains open for business and committed to creating an enabling environment, the Minister is laying the groundwork for increased investment capable of accelerating housing delivery and modern urban development.
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of his reform agenda is the renewed focus on land administration.
For decades, access to land has remained one of the greatest obstacles to affordable housing in Nigeria. Lengthy registration processes, insecure titles, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ownership disputes have discouraged investment while placing homeownership beyond the reach of many citizens. Dr. Darma’s commitment to the Nigerian Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme (NLTRDP) represents a bold effort to tackle these long-standing challenges.
The proposed digitalisation of land records, deployment of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), electronic documentation, and the establishment of a more efficient land administration framework promise to improve transparency, shorten processing timelines, and restore confidence in land ownership. These reforms may not generate the excitement of housing commissioning ceremonies, but they are precisely the institutional changes capable of transforming the sector over the long term.
The Minister has also demonstrated commendable resolve in addressing the persistent challenge of building collapses through stronger regulation of Nigeria’s built environment. His insistence on ending quackery, enforcing professional standards, and strengthening regulatory oversight reflects a commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring confidence in the construction industry.
By advocating a coordinated regulatory framework involving all professional bodies and stakeholders, Dr. Darma is reinforcing the principle that sustainable development must be underpinned by professionalism, accountability, and strict compliance with building standards.
Institutional efficiency has equally featured prominently in his first 100 days. Through engagements with Federal Controllers of Housing across the federation, the Minister has emphasized improved project monitoring, stronger inter-agency coordination, and enhanced accountability in project execution. These administrative reforms may receive less public attention, but they are essential to translating policy into measurable outcomes.
Naturally, the true test of any administration lies not in policy announcements but in implementation. Nigerians have witnessed ambitious programmes in the past that faltered due to inadequate funding, bureaucratic delays, weak political will, or inconsistent execution. The reforms initiated during these first 100 days must therefore be sustained through transparency, measurable targets, stakeholder collaboration, and rigorous monitoring.Even so, the direction being charted deserves recognition.
For perhaps the first time in many years, national conversations on housing are moving beyond the mere construction of houses towards broader institutional reforms encompassing land governance, digital transformation, investment attraction, professional regulation, and inclusive urban development. This holistic approach aligns more closely with global best practices and recognises housing as both a social necessity and a catalyst for economic growth.
Housing remains one of the strongest multipliers in any economy. It drives manufacturing, construction, transportation, financial services, and numerous small businesses while generating employment across multiple sectors. A vibrant housing industry strengthens communities, improves living standards, and contributes significantly to national development.
In his first 100 days, Engr. Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the sector. His priorities are becoming increasingly clear, and his early interventions suggest a willingness to confront some of the most difficult structural challenges that have hindered Nigeria’s housing development for decades.
The journey ahead will undoubtedly be demanding. Expectations remain high, resources are limited, and implementation will ultimately determine the success of these reforms. However, if the momentum generated during these first 100 days is sustained with consistency, professionalism, and accountability, Nigeria’s housing sector could be on the threshold of a genuine transformation.
For millions of Nigerians who still dream of owning a decent and affordable home, that is a vision worth supportingand one that deserves every opportunity to succeed.
Danyaro is a Media and Public Affairs Analysts based in Abuja.

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Opinion

WARAKA: The Story of Kano Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

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4 days ago

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August 3, 2026

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A Story by Nurse Ekwem Chinwendu Blessing (BNSC, RPHN, RM, RN)

I was out on my routine duty at Murtala Specialist Hospital for my ambulance service when I decided to take a walk to a centre I had heard about from Sir Muhammad Sunusi Specialist Hospital Accident and Emergency Unit. The centre is called WARAKA–SARC — ‘Waraka’ meaning ‘healing’ in the English language. It is housed in the same building with the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA), a beautiful block within Murtala Specialist Hospital. The centre comprises three offices and two toilets. Inside, the offices are adorned with colourful posters of alphabets, numbers, GBV survivors support, pathway for initial care after sexual assaults and domestic animals and pets, creating a quiet and therapeutic atmosphere. The staff are warm and friendly.

The centre was sponsored by non-governmental organisation’s (NGOs) and championed by four ministries in the state: the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the State Police Force. Unfortunately, the NGOs have since pulled out. WARAKA–SARC attends to cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence for both males and females. I was informed that between 7 and 12 September 2015, training was conducted for doctors, nurses, and counsellors on the management of such cases. Due to the high rate of reported incidents, the NGOs and the four aforementioned ministries pushed for the official opening of the centre.

During my visit, I met several members of staff: a nurse nearing retirement, counsellors, a receptionist, and a volunteer who also serves as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. She conducts serological tests such as pregnancy test (serum), HIV, HBsAg, HCV, and VDRL. I had expected to see a doctor trained to assist with forensic examinations, but none was present. I was told that doctors had indeed been trained to provide evidence-based care to clients; however, due to the high demand for medical personnel, they were redeployed to other hospitals and units. Due to that, When a client presents — whether as a case of domestic violence or assault — they are referred to the Gynaecology Emergency Unit, the Gynaecology Ward, the Accident and Emergency Unit, or the Paediatric Unit, depending on the client’s age and the nature of the assault. Following examination, the client returns to WARAKA–SARC for further management, including counselling and serology. On average, the centre sees about fifty clients per week.

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Notwithstanding these challenges, this is the only functioning centre in the state that attends to cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence. I noted that all services rendered to clients are free of charge, and the centre also provides continuous follow-up care.

Based on my observation, WARAKA–SARC is a sensitive and vital centre. I therefore suggest the following measures to improve the care and services provided to clients:

· The deployment of medical personnel — including doctors, nurses, and counselling psychologists — to the centre.

· The four ministries should consistently include the centre in their annual budgets.

· Continuous engagement of staff through training, rural outreach programmes, community sensitisation, and the provision of incentives.

· NGOs should resume and sustain their collaboration with the centre.

· Proper referral pathways for clients to the centre must be established and maintained.

· The Ministry of Justice should make it mandatory for all cases of sexual assault and gender-based violence to pass through WARAKA–SARC before trial. This will enhance the centre’s visibility among individuals and communities.

· Additional centres should be established in strategic local government areas to bring services closer to rural communities far from Kano town, thereby improving access and utilisation.

· Community enlightenment on the importance of the centre and the need to seek help freely when necessary.

· Religious and community leaders should partner with the centre to promote peace and encourage community members to utilise its services.

 

Speak out, get help — end the cycle of violence.

WARAKA SARC: Your path to healing and justice.

Stop GBV. Support survivors. Strengthen justice.

WARAKA SARC: Restoring dignity, rebuilding lives.

Supporting survivors with care, dignity, and compassion.

WARAKA SARC — A Safe Space for Healing.

 

WARAKA–SARC HOTLINES

0903 042 4123

0902 894 4933

SAY NO TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

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Opinion

How Kano Digitized Land Turns N50m to N750m Monthly

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4 days ago

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August 3, 2026

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– Abba Ka Cika Gwarzo…

By Abba Anwar

Land administration, safety and security of land documents are dancing gorgeously to the gallery, as the administration of His Excellency, Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf digitalized and institutionalized land administration and ownership in the last three years.

Study tour to Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), by states like Abia, Kaduna, Jigawa, Adamawa, among others is a clear testimony that Kano is making headway with excellent innovations in land administration and management. Analog to digital development.

Before now, KANGIS was a small unit /department under the state Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. But when Governor Yusuf came on board, the agency turned into full-fledged and autonomous agency with the establishment Law. Normal legislative procedures were followed. And now an independent agency. This makes seamless operations possible. With clear mandate and global taste.

Billions of Naira injected in overhauling and modernizing the agency, were recovered within six months of becoming an autonomous agency. With full Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure which turned the face of the agency via digital and GIS infrastructures, pave the way for that.

Employing GIS enterprise, that is modernizing land administration, beginning from land application to the level of acquiring Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) has now become a seamless operation. Where slow operation fades away.

For Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) the agency was generating a maximum of Fifty Million Naira (N50m) monthly. With the new Law in place and dedicated leadership, from His Excellency down to the Director General of the agency, Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, and dedicated staff, KANGIS can now boost of generating a maximum of up to Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N750m) monthly.

Racketeering of land documents by touts and weak minded internal elements, has significantly minimized. A system has now been in place for a land applicant to monitor the movement and progress of his or her application from the comfort of one’s room.

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There is an improved manpower, who are always undergoing training and retraining. To cope with the global best practice. With this and the digitalization of the agency, corruption is being reduced to minimal level in the administration and management of land. So also laziness from the part of the staff, unproductive posture, double allocation and insecured process for land ownership are all shelved aside.

Under the wisdom of His Excellency, the Governor, the agency, KANGIS, works hand in hand with the state ministry for land and physical planning. Unlike in some other states, where such agencies wall out ministries of land. Not only maintaining the two institutions, in Kano, both the agency and the ministry work harmoniously in rancour-free atmosphere.

Though land ministry is the mother ministry, but rivalry between them is significantly at the lowest level. It may interest one to know that all payments of the ministry are paid through KANGIS.

The Director General of KANGIS Dr Sani is a renown scholar of geographic information system of global repute, who was invited by Governor Yusuf from far away Turkey, to come and serve his state. Without hesitation, Dr Sani responded positively to His Excellency’s request. Here he is, Dr Sani brought many strategies and innovations to KANGIS. The political will of the Governor helps much in this development. That has eluded the agency since its creation in 2012.

Understanding the genuine political will and commitment of the Governor towards the spirit development of the agency, the good working relationship between all the political appointees and staff of the agency and the mother ministry, is strengthening day in day out. They all understand what team work is to the development of the state.

Ranging from the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abudujjabar Muhammad Umar, Adviser to the Governor on Land Matters, Hadiza Gadanya, Director General of KANGIS, Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Land Matters, Alhaji Ahmad down to the Senior Special Reporter Nanu Kankarofi, all believe and understand what team work is and what Governor Yusuf wants in reshaping land administration, control and ownership in the state. Kudos to them all.

Another important picture of Governor’s genuine love for a new Kano is his non-interference in KANGIS’s operations and technical decisions. Being an autonomous with competent hand as the Director General, Governor Yusuf believes he puts a square peg in a square hole. At KANGIS and the mother ministry, modernization with global touch is quite visible. It was this visibility, I guessed, that prompted other states to come to Kano and start shopping for ingenious land administration.

I can still remember vividly clear, when the immediate past Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Ahmad Dangiwa visited KANGIS sometime back, he informed the DG that when he returned back to Abuja, he would inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to kindly urge other states of the federation to come to Kano and visit KANGIS for them to replicate Kano model of land administration. I don’t know if that really happened.

With the full operation and commitment of KANGIS and Land Ministry, Kano Master Plan of over 30 years is now being undusted and ready to be revisited word by word. This is possible as a result of Governor Yusuf’s political will and commitment.

Anwar writes from Kano
Monday, 3rd August, 2026

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