​By Halima Isyaku Dantsoho

​I read with a mix of amusement and concern the defense of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo by Hadi Abdullahi Muhammad, which attempts to frame the valid scrutiny of a public figure as a mere product of “internal power struggles.” While it is convenient to label every criticism a “media trial,” we must confront the reality that leadership is a sacred trust, not a reward for street mobilization. To suggest that Garo is the ideal choice for Deputy Governor—particularly in the wake of the recent political shift that saw Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf move to the APC—is to ignore the very “storm” the author claims to see. The vacancy in the Deputy Governor’s office exists because Kano is attempting to move past a season of distraction following the resignation of the former occupant; why then would the state replace a controversy with a liability? We are talking about a man who remains entangled in significant litigation regarding his past tenure as Commissioner, and to elevate such an individual to the second-highest office in the state would be like putting out a fire with petrol. It would lock the administration into a permanent state of legal defense, ensuring that the coming years are spent in courtrooms rather than on the construction of a better Kano.
​The author praises Garo as a “Commander” of the grassroots, yet in a state as economically vital as ours, “mobilization” is not a substitute for administrative integrity. The “grassroots” of which he speaks—the traders, farmers, and youths—are the primary victims when public funds are allegedly mismanaged at the local government level. True loyalty to the base is shown through transparent governance and the systemic protection of public wealth, not through the strategic distribution of startup tools during an election cycle. If the APC national leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are truly committed to a “Renewed Hope” agenda, they must recognize that elevating a figure with such unresolved legal narratives contradicts the very integrity the party must represent in this new era. Perfection may not be the standard, but accountability is. Fairness does not mean ignoring a mountain of evidence in favor of political popularity; it means letting the courts decide a man’s fate before he is granted the prestige of high office. Kano has moved forward into a new political era, and it is time our leadership choices reflected a future built on stability rather than a return to the controversies of the past.

​Halima Isyaku Dantsoho wrote from Kano.

My recent article titled “Ibrahim Little: The Man Fit for the Job” has opened the eyes of many young men and women, particularly those in the Gen Z category, to the personality and potential of Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Amin. He is a man of calibre and a true embodiment of competence for the enormous responsibility of leading Kano, the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria.

The quest for a credible alternative in Kano’s political space began last year when my political mentor and principal declared his intention to contest for the governorship. The name Ibrahim Ali Amin Little has, however, been a household name in Kano politics since the year 2000.

He is involved in politics not for material gain, but out of a genuine passion for investing in the lives of the people. As a businessman with a proven track record, he brings a different perspective to governance. Since 1999, most of Kano’s governors have emerged from the civil service sphere. Despite Kano’s status as a commercial centre, the state has witnessed a form of economic stagnation, largely due to insufficient emphasis on business-driven policies and economic innovation.

When I speak of an “alternative,” I refer to an independent-minded individual who is well-versed in administration and economic management.

Kano cannot be entrusted to someone who lacks a deep understanding of its economic realities. Since 1999, governance in the state has largely revolved around a single model road construction and the awarding of contracts, often without corresponding long-term economic impact.

True governance goes beyond infrastructure. It involves prioritising education by employing competent teachers, strengthening the healthcare sector especially primary healthcare centres with adequate and qualified medical personnel, and creating sustainable systems that improve the quality of life for citizens. These are the real indicators of governance. The question, however, remains: where does Kano stand in all of this?

Unfortunately, very few aspirants are addressing these critical issues except Ibrahim Little. As one of his closest aides, I can confidently say that his priorities are clear and people-oriented. His daily engagements revolve around questions such as: How can we identify and nurture talent? How can Kano become a true industrial hub? How can we establish an independent power supply for the state? And how can we revitalise and boost agricultural productivity?

These are not just talking points for him, they are guiding principles. His interest lies in the development of Kano, not in personal gain or the accumulation of state resources.

At this critical moment, Ibrahim Ali Amin Little stands as the alternative Kano needs.

Adnan Mukhtar
Is a Doctoral Candidate at Northwest University, Kano

Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, a prominent politician and grassroots mobiliser in Kano State, says it is healthy political evolution that politicians are being granted pardon in Nigeria.

Garo, who fielded questions from newsmen in Kano, also noted that repentant and forgiven politicians are allowed to actively participate in politics to add valour and strengthen democracy.

He was reacting to allegations over his involvement in financial sleaze while serving as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Kano during the administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Garo acknowledged desperate attempts by his adversaries to malign him and whittle down his growing political profile.

Garo, popularly known as MSG, was a Deputy Governorship candidate during the 2023 general election and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

He claimed that local councils in the state witnessed phenomenal development when he served as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.

However, Sule Garo explained that the allegations of diversion of public funds for personal use have collapsed in the eyes of the Constitution and extant laws of Nigeria.

The existing constitutional provisions and laws averred that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“Therefore, my media trial ran afoul of the law. Moreso, the allegations were not preferred against him but a group of suspects.

“Besides, the Kano State Government, being the complainant, has not shown interest in prosecuting me.

Another charge brought against me was dismissed by the court even as the state government decided to forgive me,” Garo claimed.

He cited for instance that Hon. Faruk Lawan and Alhaji Aminu Dabo, former Managing Director of NPA, were pardoned by the system and are actively participating in politics.

The politician therefore appealed to the good people of Kano State and other interested parties to disregard any malicious allegation against him because of his innocence before the law court and forgiveness by the state government.