A civil society organisation, 4ward Kano Group, has opposed the alleged plan by Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, to appoint Murtala Sule Garo as deputy governor following the resignation of Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Nalado Habu, the group described the move as deeply troubling, citing a pending criminal case instituted against Garo by the state government.

The group said it was contradictory for the same administration that initiated legal action against Garo over his tenure as commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs to consider elevating him to the position of deputy governor.

"We find it disturbing that an administration that has taken legal action against an individual over alleged misconduct is now under pressure to reward the same person with a higher and more sensitive office," the statement reads.

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It warned that such a move could undermine public confidence in governance and accountability, stressing that the office of deputy governor requires unquestionable integrity and public trust.

The organisation insisted that any pending legal issues involving Garo should be resolved before any appointment is made.

It further alleged that some political actors were mounting pressure to push through the nomination and urged Governor Yusuf to resist undue influence and prioritise the interest of Kano people.

The group also called on the Kano State House of Assembly to exercise due diligence and ensure transparency in the confirmation process, should the nomination be formally presented.

While emphasising the need to uphold the rule of law and ethical governance, the group warned that any deviation could set a dangerous precedent for public office appointments.

It also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other stakeholders to distance themselves from the alleged plan and allow justice to take its course.