Why I was sacked as minister of state – Gwarzo

The immediate former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, on Novemebr 9, 2024, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu fired him for political reasons rather than because of any issues with his performance as a minister.

The former minister revealed this during an interview with BBC Hausa.

He went on to say that the president ought to have replaced him with Nasiru Gawuna, the 2023 All Progressives Congress nominee for Kano State governor.

This comes after Yusuf Ata was named the new minister.

According to a State House statement released on October 23, 2024, Tinubu fired Gwarzo and four other people, including Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development; Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education; Lola Ade-John, the Minister of Tourism; and Uju-Ken Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs.

But Gwarzo said, “I was surprised because I wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or poor performance”, in an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

“And I was minister of state, with the senior minister overseeing a large portion of the ministry’s activities.

 “Before the announcement, the president had informed me of his decision.

“He said Kano North was overloaded with political officers, hence the need to strike a balance.

“We gave our advice, but it was ignored.

“From there, I began to suspect that certain individuals were behind this because, to me, that wasn’t a valid reason”, he stated.

The former minister said that Gawuna should be given consideration for the ministerial post since he is the party’s leader in Kano Central.

“If the ministerial slot is indeed meant for Kano Central, we have our 2023 governorship candidate, who is also our leader in Kano Central.

“Why not consider giving him the position?

“Gawuna should be offered the role first, unless he declines, in which case it could be given to someone else.

“All other candidates from Plateau and Zamfara states who contested for the governorships were appointed to positions”, Gwarzo added.

About Abdullahi Gwarzo

Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo is a prominent Nigerian politician who has made significant contributions to the country’s development.

Gwarzo was born on September 23, 1960, in Koyar Getso, Gwarzo local government area of Kano State

He has had a distinguished career in politics and public service.

Early Life and Education

Gwarzo started his early primary education at Gwarzo Day Primary School.

Later, he attended Kano State Science Education Project Secondary School at Dawakin-Kudu.

He then proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Textile Engineering and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Tech) degree in 1988.

Political Career

Gwarzo’s entry into politics began in 1989 when he joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

He contested for the Chairmanship of Gwarzo Local Government Council in 1991 and won, serving until 1993.

He later became the Executive Chairman of Gwarzo Local Government Council.

The ex minister served from 1997 to 1998 and again from 2004 to 2007.

In 2007, he was appointed Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Kano State on Special Duties.

Ministerial Appointment

Gwarzo was appointed Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

As Minister, he inaugurated the Implementation Committee for the Renewed Hope Housing Project.

This aimed at providing affordable housing to Nigerians.

Other Roles

Gwarzo has also served as the Deputy Governor of Kano State, supervising the state ministry for water resources.

He was the Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Zaria, from April 2021.

Gwarzo’s extensive experience in politics and public service has equipped him to drive meaningful change in Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector.

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