Concerns Rise Over Immunity as Garo Eyes Deputy Governorship
Legal analysts have raised concerns that the possible emergence of Murtala Sule Garo as deputy governor ahead of the 2027 elections could stall his ongoing N57.4 billion corruption trial due to constitutional immunity.
Speaking in Kano on Tuesday, senior legal practitioner Usman Bello explained that granting immunity to a sitting public office holder could significantly affect the progress of an active case.
“Granting immunity to a sitting defendant could affect the pace of ongoing trials, though it does not imply guilt or innocence,” he said.
Bello noted that if Garo assumes office as deputy governor, he would be protected under Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution, which shields certain public officials from prosecution while in office.
“The timing of the nomination is troubling, especially given the scale of the allegations and the stage of the trial,” he added.
Also weighing in, Comrade Bello Abubakar Ginsau of the Kano Governance and Accountability Forum stressed the need for caution in political appointments involving individuals facing ongoing trials.
“The timing of any appointment amid ongoing trials should be carefully weighed. Accountability and transparency must remain central in all decisions,” he said.
Garo is currently standing trial alongside former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and others over allegations of diverting more than N57.4 billion in local government funds. The case was instituted by the Kano State Government and remains ongoing.
