Ex-Katsina Deputy Governor Emerges New SSG

A former Katsina State Deputy Governor, Abdulahi Garba Faskari, has been appointed as the secretary to the state government (SSG). 

 Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, who approved his appointment in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed Kaula, said the appointment is with immediate effect.

He added that  Faskari is expected to bring on board his  wealth of experience as he joins the administration.

“Indeed, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari’s appointment as the new SGS to the Katsina State Government can be likened to putting a square peg in a square hole. 

“He is eminently qualified to join our progressive-minded administration, and I personally can vouch for his intellectual pedigree and exceptional administrative acumen. 

“Perfectly, he is going to fill the huge vacuum Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa left behind. The new SGS is one of the accomplished public servants Katsina State has had in recent years. 

“His contributions to the development and growth of the State, while serving as Deputy Governor to former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, were unparalleled,” the Governor said.

Faskari was  deputy governor of the State, between 2011 and 2015, he replaces Arch Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who was recently nominated as a minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Born on 15th August 1959 at Funtua town,  Faskari is a native of Faskari local government area of Katsina State. He attended Aya Primary School, Funtua, between 1966 and 74, and thereafter proceeded to Teachers College, Dutsin-Ma in 1974. After completing his studies at the Teachers College in 1980,  Faskari’s ravenous appetite for scholarship took him to School of Basic Studies, at the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU Zaria, and graduated in 1983. 

Between 1984 and 1985, the ex-deputy governor attended the School of General Studies at the Bayero University Kano, BUK; before studying law at the same BUK and graduated in 1989. Alhaji Garba Faskari attended the Lagos Campus of the Nigeria Law School, Lagos and graduated in 1990.

Aside from having a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) Degree (Second Class Upper), the incoming Katsina SSG holds a Master of Law (LL.M) Degree and also Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association; Institute of Management Consultant; and the Nigeria Association of Law Teachers.

Faskari between 2003 and 2007 was the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice in Katsina State. He was again the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice in Katsina State, between 2007 and 2009; and then, the commissioner of education in Katsina State between 2009 and 2010.

He is at present the pro-chancellor and chairman, Governing Council of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, in Katsina.