Sokoto State has a long history of leadership, but did you know the very first governor, military appointee Alhaji Usman Faruk, was later cleared of corruption charges and even went on to become the first Executive Secretary of a national security fund?
This guide provides a complete list of past, and current governors of Sokoto state, which includes their party affiliations and terms in office.
SEE ALSO: List Of Governors Of Zamfara State (1996-Present)
Complete List Of Past And Current Governors Of Sokoto State
Name | Began Tenure | Ended Tenure | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Alhaji Usman Faruk | 1967 | 1975 | Military |
Colonel Umaru Mohammed | March 1976 | July 1978 | Military |
Lt. Colonel Gado Nasko | July 1978 | October 1979 | Military |
Shehu Kangiwa | October 1979 | November 1981 | NPN |
Garba Nadama | 1982 | December 1983 | NPN |
Colonel Garba Duba | January 1984 | August 1985 | Military |
Colonel Garba Mohammed | August 1985 | December 1987 | Military |
Colonel Ahmed Muhammad Daku | December 1987 | August 1990 | Military |
Colonel Bashir Salihi Magashi | August 1990 | January 1992 | Military |
Malam Yahaya Abdulkarim | January 1992 | November 1993 | NRC |
Colonel Yakubu Mu'azu | 9 December 1993 | 22 August 1996 | Military |
Navy Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji | 22 August 1996 | August 1998 | Military |
Group Captain (Air Force) Rufai Garba | August 1998 | May 1999 | Military |
Attahiru Bafarawa | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 | APP; ANPP |
Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko | 29 May 2007 | 11 April 2008 | PDP |
Abdullahi Balarabe Salame | 11 April 2008 | 28 May 2008 | - |
Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko | 28 May 2008 | 28 May 2011 | PDP |
Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko | 28 May 2011 | 28 May 2015 | APC |
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal | 28 May 2015 | 29 May 2023 | APC/PDP |
Ahmad Aliyu | 29 May 2023 | Incumbent | APC |
Who Was The First Military Governor Of Sokoto State?
The first military governor of Sokoto State when it became its region was Alhaji Usman Faruk. He took charge from May 27, 1967, to July 29, 1975.
Back then, Sokoto State was part of a larger area called the North-Western State, which was made when the old Northern Region was split during the rule of General Yakubu Gowon.
Faruk’s time as governor had both good and bad moments. He was removed from his position by General Murtala Mohammed, who took control in a coup in July 1975.
Faruk was accused of making money illegally while in office. However, later, the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida government cleared him of these charges, and he got his job back.
Even though he returned, the state was split into Niger State and Sokoto State later on. Aside from his time as governor, Faruk was known for speaking out about different issues.
In 1988, he wrote a booklet that criticized the national plan for controlling the population that Nigeria’s military government was supporting.
He worried that these plans might go against people’s religious beliefs and cause problems. Faruk also thought it was a good idea to create a board that could control the prices of things like crops and animals in Sokoto State.
He believed this could help local farmers and make sure there was enough food. Faruk was a police commissioner before he became the governor.
In a talk in 2006, he said that the police didn’t have enough money or good equipment, which made things unsafe in the country.
He even received an award called the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) from the Olusegun Obasanjo government.
Who Was The First Civilian Governor Of Sokoto State?
Alhaji Muhammadu Shehu Kangiwa was Sokoto State’s first elected civilian governor during the Nigerian Second Republic, from October 1979 to November 1981.
He represented the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was well-liked for his efforts to make life better for the people.
Kangiwa focused on important things like making sure everyone had clean water, access to healthcare, and schools to go to. He also helped farmers with tools and support to grow their crops better.
His government tried to be open and honest, listening to what people needed and making sure their voices were heard. One big problem Kangiwa had to deal with was a project called Bakolori Irrigation.
This project moved many farmers off their land without giving them new land or enough money to start again. When people protested in 1979, Kangiwa promised to help, but sadly, in 1980, police hurt many protesters, and lots of people lost their lives.
It was a very sad time for Sokoto State. Kangiwa also made some changes to how the state was run. For example, he increased the number of areas that were looked after by local governments.
SEE ALSO: List Of Governors Of Taraba State (1991-Present)
This meant more places had their leaders to help with local issues. But when Kangiwa passed away in 1981 after falling off a horse while playing polo, his plans were left unfinished.
To remember Kangiwa’s good work, a special cup was created in his honor in 1982, called the Shehu Kangiwa Cup. It’s still a part of Sokoto State’s sports events today, reminding people of the governor who worked hard to make life better for everyone.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Sokoto State?
Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto is the current governor of Sokoto State since May 29, 2023. Ahmad Aliyu was born on January 1, 1970, in Tudun Wada, Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
He once worked as a cashier, auditor, and accountant before he jumped Into politics. However, Ahmad Aliyu’s political career began when he served as the Deputy Director of Finance and Supply in Sabon-Birni Local Government from 1996 to 1998.
He later became the Director of Finance and Supply at Kebbe Local Chief Accountant Local Government Service Commission from 2004 to 2007.
Ahmad’s dedication and competence in financial management led to his appointment as a two-term Commissioner and the first Executive Secretary of the Police Trust Fund (PTF).
In 2015, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto was appointed as the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State under Governor Aminu Tambuwal. He held this position until his resignation on November 14, 2018.
Despite his resignation, Aliyu stayed committed to public service and continued to contribute to the development of Sokoto State.
In May 2023, Ahmad Aliyu achieved another milestone in his academic pursuit by completing his Doctorate Degree in Business Administration at Nasarawa State University.
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