By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The recent discourse surrounding the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committees in Kano State particularly the concerns raised over the placement of the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya—calls for sober reflection rather than emotional conjecture.
To characterize the appointment of Malam Muhammad Garba as Chairman of the Information Committee, with Waiya serving as a member, as an “oversight” or “affront” betrays a misunderstanding of administrative protocol and professional hierarchy. Public service, by its very nature, is rooted in collective responsibility and respect for experience. It has never been an anomaly for seasoned professionals to be called upon to lend their expertise in guiding critical transitions.
A fair assessment must be grounded in merit. Malam Muhammad Garba’s professional trajectory within Nigeria’s media landscape is both distinguished and instructive. From serving as Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, to leading the Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and later ascending to the position of National President of the NUJ and President of the West African Journalists Association, his contributions remain indelible. His eight-year tenure as Commissioner for Information (2015–2023) further solidified his standing as a reference point in media management and public communication. Competence is neither accidental nor ceremonial—it is cultivated over decades of dedication and service.
Beyond professional credentials lies the political context. The constitution of these committees was neither arbitrary nor unilateral. They were established with the full consent and approval of Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf. To publicly contest their composition risks projecting disunity and undermining executive authority. Loyalty, in governance, must transcend individual preferences. It requires alignment with the strategic decisions of leadership, even where personal sentiments may differ.
Kano State is presently navigating a period of significant political realignment. As the Governor and his cabinet consolidate their position within the APC framework, inclusivity and strategic collaboration become indispensable. The evolving landscape demands a broad coalition of experienced professionals and political stakeholders, working harmoniously toward shared objectives. This is not an era for insularity or ego-driven narratives, but for unity of purpose.
The overarching mission to strengthen governance, consolidate party structures, and advance the collective interest of Kano State must remain paramount. No office, however significant, outweighs the broader vision of political stability and progressive administration.
History will judge this moment not by individual appointments, but by the maturity with which leaders and supporters alike uphold the principles of merit, protocol, and disciplined loyalty.
