The prolonged emirship tussle in Kano State took a fresh turn on Tuesday as former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. This recognition came during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, held at the Government House. The event was attended by top political and traditional figures from across the state.
Ganduje, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), paid due traditional homage while observing protocols as a special guest. He drew applause from the audience when he addressed Sanusi as “Your Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano,” immediately after recognizing the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ismail Jibrin Falgore, who was seated next to Sanusi.
This unprecedented acknowledgment comes eight years after Ganduje, as governor, split the Kano Emirate Council into five independent emirates, reducing Sanusi's traditional authority to only eight local government areas. In 2020, Ganduje dethroned Sanusi, a former Central Bank Governor, and replaced him with Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero, the son of the 14th Emir of Kano. Although fate brought Sanusi back to the throne after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf assumed power, Ganduje had continued to pledge loyalty to Aminu Bayero as the Emir of Kano while the legal battle awaited judgment at the Supreme Court.
Deputy Governor Vows Loyalty
Shortly after taking the oath of office, the new Deputy Governor, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, renewed his loyalty to Governor Yusuf and reiterated his commitment to supporting the administration's policies and programs to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Kano. Garo expressed sincere appreciation to Governor Yusuf for finding him worthy of nomination for the position, vowing to remain dedicated to service, teamwork, and the continuity of the governor's policies.
“Let me express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engineer Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for the confidence you have placed in me. I accept this responsibility as a call to serve and to support your leadership in advancing the development of Kano State. I also thank the Kano State House of Assembly for screening and confirming my nomination under my brother Alhaji Jibril Sama’i Labal Ghori,” Garo said.
“To the people of Kano State, I remain committed to your service, this moment for teamwork and continuity. Your Excellency has set a clear direction through the Kano past agenda. My role is to support that vision and ensure that government policies deliver real results for our people,” he added.
Governor Yusuf on the Appointment
Governor Yusuf disclosed that the selection of Garo was based on merit, considering his wealth of experience, political dexterity, and capacity to deliver entrusted responsibilities. Describing the new deputy as a seasoned and accomplished political figure who has demonstrated capacity, loyalty, and dedication to public service over the years, Yusuf cited Garo's roles in various political appointments under previous administrations.
Governor Yusuf urged the new Deputy Governor to bring his wealth of experience, energy, and commitment to bear while discharging his new responsibilities. He demanded 100 percent loyalty, reminding that “there is no issue of 99 percent as far as loyalty is concerned.”
“You should be one who works in harmony with the leadership, one who offers wise counsels, and one who supports government policies, and who stands firmly for the principles that define our administration. I expect your full cooperation and contribution in advancing our shared vision of inclusive governance, sustainable development, and effective service delivery. We will intensify efforts to improve infrastructure, strengthen education and healthcare systems, empower our youth, and expand economic opportunities while maintaining the peace and stability that define our state,” Yusuf hinted.
The occasion was witnessed by former Governor Mal. Ibrahim Shekarau, Deputy President of the Senate Senator Barau Jibrin, members of the National Assembly from Kano, former and serving ministers from Kano, Presidential media aide Abdulazeez Abdulazeez, and other top personalities.
