The Deputy in Action: Why Murtala Sule Garo is Earning Governor Yusuf’s Confidence

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
Political influence is rarely measured by public applause. More often, it is reflected in the confidence a leader places in those entrusted with sensitive assignments. In Kano State, a growing pattern of responsibility delegated to Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo suggests that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf sees him as a dependable partner in advancing the administration’s governance and development agenda.

This is not an attempt to celebrate personality over performance or elevate political rhetoric above substance. Rather, it is an observation drawn from recent developments that reveal an evolving pattern in the working relationship between the governor and his deputy.

That pattern became more evident when Governor Yusuf publicly acknowledged the loyalty, commitment and dedication of his deputy during a recent engagement. While such commendations are not uncommon in politics, the governor’s remarks appeared to reflect genuine confidence built through experience rather than mere political courtesy.

Trust remains one of the most valuable assets in government.

Governors rarely delegate high-level responsibilities solely because protocol requires them to do so. They assign critical tasks to individuals they believe possess the judgment, competence and discretion needed to represent both the office and the administration effectively.

Read Also:

Ganduje breaks silence on Kwankwaso remarks, recalls 1998 Kano primaries

What to Know About Kano’s Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo

Kano reviews social protection gains, sets priorities for second half of 2026

Recent events suggest that Murtala Sule Garo has increasingly become one of those individuals.

A notable example was the strategic engagement with a high-powered delegation of European Union Heads of Mission and their deputies, led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot. Representing Governor Yusuf, Garo received the delegation and led discussions on issues central to Kano State’s development agenda, including sustainable urban development, youth empowerment, infrastructure, climate resilience, social inclusion and investment opportunities.

The meeting also provided Kano State with an opportunity to present its Urban Development Strategy, developed with technical support from UN-Habitat, outlining long-term plans for metropolitan growth, infrastructure development, regional integration and economic expansion.

During the engagement, Garo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability and creating an enabling environment for responsible local and international investment. The presence of representatives from UNICEF, GIZ, Plan International, UN-Habitat and other international development partners underscored the strategic importance of the engagement.

Such assignments extend well beyond ceremonial duties.

Representing a state before international partners requires a sound understanding of public policy, diplomacy, development priorities and government objectives. Every statement made during such meetings reflects not only the individual speaking but the entire administration.

The governor’s decision to entrust his deputy with that responsibility speaks to the confidence reposed in him.

That confidence was again evident when Garo represented Kano State at the North-West Governors’ Forum High-Level Policy Dialogue on Reducing Multidimensional Poverty.

The dialogue brought together governors, policymakers, development partners, the private sector and civil society organisations to deliberate on practical solutions to poverty, youth unemployment, social protection and inclusive economic growth across the North-West.

Observers noted that many of the development priorities advanced by Kano State during the regional dialogue mirrored those earlier presented to the European Union delegation, reflecting consistency in policy direction and reinforcing the state’s commitment to collaborative development.

These are not ceremonial appearances. They are responsibilities that demand preparation, diplomacy, policy knowledge and the ability to communicate government priorities with clarity and confidence.

Successful administrations are often defined by the quality of the relationship between governors and their deputies. Where mutual trust exists, responsibilities are delegated with confidence, decisions are implemented more efficiently and government speaks with one voice. Conversely, history has shown that strained relationships between governors and their deputies can distract from governance, weaken policy implementation and ultimately undermine public confidence.

Viewed against this backdrop, Governor Yusuf’s public commendation of his deputy carries significance beyond politics. It reflects a leadership partnership founded on cooperation, confidence and shared responsibility.

As Kano State continues to pursue its development agenda, the deputy governor’s expanding role suggests that he is becoming an increasingly important part of the administration’s engagement with national and international stakeholders.

Whether representing the state before foreign development partners, participating in regional policy dialogues or advancing Kano’s development priorities on behalf of the governor, Murtala Sule Garo appears to be building a profile defined less by political rhetoric than by delegated responsibility.

Ultimately, public office is judged not by titles but by service.

If the current trajectory continues, Murtala Sule Garo’s tenure as Deputy Governor may well be remembered for the confidence reposed in him, the responsibilities entrusted to him and the contributions he makes toward advancing the vision of the Kano State Government.

As always, history and the people of Kano will render the final verdict.