Impeachment Looms in Kano as Assembly Moves Against Deputy Governor
38 Lawmakers Sign Notice Alleging Gross Misconduct, Diversion of LG Funds
The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The impeachment notice was presented during plenary by the Majority Leader of the House, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who stated that the move followed the provisions of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
According to Dala, the notice contains multiple allegations relating to Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as actions linked to his current position as deputy governor.
Alleged Diversion of Local Government Funds
The Majority Leader alleged that while overseeing the administration of Kano’s 44 local government councils, Abdussalam was involved in the diversion of funds meant for local government operations.
He told lawmakers that between June 2023 and January 2024, the deputy governor allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each of the 44 local governments, amounting to N66 million per month.
Dala explained that the arrangement lasted for seven months, bringing the total amount allegedly received to N462 million.
Additional Payments for “Special Assignments”
The Assembly further alleged that between February and July 2024, Abdussalam collected additional payments from the local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.
According to Dala, the payments amounted to N3.255 million monthly from each local government, totaling about N726 million within six months.
He described the alleged transactions as a serious breach of public trust and a violation of transparency and accountability principles expected of public office holders.
Alleged Abuse of Office
The impeachment notice also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office in relation to a transaction involving a pharmaceutical company, NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Dala alleged that Abdussalam, while serving as commissioner, facilitated payments of N10 million each from the 44 local governments to the company.
The payments, which allegedly amounted to N440 million, were said to have been made in violation of the state’s procurement and fiscal management regulations.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” Dala told the Assembly.
Constitutional Basis for Impeachment
The Majority Leader explained that the allegations collectively amount to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which covers serious violations of constitutional provisions or other grave wrongdoing by a public office holder.
He added that the alleged diversion of funds and abuse of official position represent a fundamental breach of constitutional and ethical standards expected of government officials.
Next Constitutional Steps
Dala disclosed that 38 lawmakers endorsed the impeachment notice, meeting the constitutional requirement needed to initiate the process.
Following the presentation, the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to formally transmit the notice to the deputy governor.
Under the constitution, once the notice is served, the House may request the Chief Judge of Kano State to constitute an investigative panel if the motion continues to enjoy the support of the required majority of lawmakers.
As of the time of filing this report, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has not publicly responded to the allegations leveled against him.
