ALIYU WAMAKKO

Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, born on March 1, 1953, is a notable Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Sokoto State, Nigeria. He was elected into office in April 2007 under the banner of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Wamakko's early life began in Wamakko, Sokoto State, where he spent five years at the Sokoto Teachers' College from 1968 to 1972. Afterward, he embarked on a teaching career from 1973 to 1977 before pursuing higher education in the United States.

Wamakko obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in August 1980. Upon returning to Nigeria, he resumed teaching at the Sokoto Teachers College. His career trajectory then transitioned into various administrative roles within local government, including serving as Principal Assistant Secretary and later Acting Secretary of Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA). He further advanced his career, holding positions such as Chairman of the Sokoto LGA and General Manager of the Hotel Management and Tourism Board in Sokoto.

In March 1992, Wamakko was appointed Director-General of Careers and Special Services at the Governor's Office, Sokoto. His political journey commenced when he was elected Deputy Governor of Sokoto State to Governor Attahiru Bafarawa in 1999, under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He secured re-election for a second term as Deputy Governor in April 2003. However, he resigned from this position on March 15, 2006.

Wamakko's tenure as Governor of Sokoto State began in April 2007, following his successful election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He assumed office on May 29, 2007, but his victory was short-lived as it was annulled in April 2008 due to his previous affiliation with the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) when he won the PDP nomination. After a re-run election in May 2008, Wamakko reclaimed his seat as governor despite opposition claims of electoral irregularities.

During his governorship, Wamakko initiated the State Poverty Reduction Agency (SPORA) in 2007, aimed at implementing programs such as youth skills acquisition. He also addressed issues related to housing and economic development in Sokoto State. In September 2009, Wamakko advocated for patience regarding housing projects nearing completion, emphasizing their intended benefits for the state's populace.

In October 2009, allegations of misappropriation of funds surfaced against Wamakko's predecessor, Attahiru Bafarawa, leading to impending prosecution. Bafarawa countered these accusations, attributing them to political motives and questioning Wamakko's involvement in the matter.

REFERENCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aliyu_Magatakarda_Wamakko