Breaking: Kano lawmakers begin impeachment process against Deputy Gov

The Kano State House of Assembly has formally initiated impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

According to Daily Trust, the notice of impeachment was presented on the floor of the Assembly by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who stated that the action was taken in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

The impeachment notice details multiple allegations related to Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as Deputy Governor.

The allegations include diversion of local government funds, abuse of office, and other impeachable actions under the constitution.

Dala alleged that while overseeing the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils, Abdussalam received kickbacks of N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024. The total, he said, amounted to N462 million over the seven-month period.

The lawmaker further claimed that between February and July 2024, Abdussalam received additional payments from the local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments. The payments, he said, amounted to N3.255 million per council per month, totalling about N726 million over six months.

Dala also accused Abdussalam of abuse of office, alleging that he facilitated payments of N10 million each from the 44 local government councils to a pharmaceutical company, NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, in contravention of the state’s procurement and fiscal management laws. The transaction, according to the notice, amounted to N440 million.

“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” Dala said while presenting the notice.

The impeachment process is now underway, with the Assembly expected to follow constitutional procedures to determine the outcome.