The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, citing allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The impeachment notice was formally presented during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who noted that the action complies with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Dala explained that the notice details several allegations related to Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government from 2023 to 2024, in addition to actions purportedly taken in his current role as deputy governor.
He told the Kano lawmakers that the accusations centre on the diversion of local government funds, abuse of office, and other conduct considered impeachable under the constitution.
Dala alleged that while overseeing the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils, Abdussalam was involved in diverting funds meant for council operations. He claimed that between June 2023 and January 2024, the deputy governor received N1.5 million monthly from each of the 44 local government areas.
According to the Majority Leader, the arrangement translated to N66 million per month over seven months, amounting to a total of N462 million. He described the alleged payments as a serious breach of public trust that undermined confidence in governance.
Dala further alleged that from February to July 2024, Abdussalam received additional payments under the pretext of carrying out special assignments. He said each local government council allegedly paid N3.255 million monthly during the six-month period, bringing the total to approximately N726 million.
He maintained that the alleged transactions violated principles of transparency and accountability expected of public office holders.
The impeachment notice also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office in relation to a separate transaction. Dala claimed Abdussalam facilitated payments of N10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited.
He said the payments, totalling N440 million, were allegedly executed in breach 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,” the majority leader said while presenting the notice.
He added that the cumulative allegations amount to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the constitution.
Dala explained that gross misconduct includes grave constitutional violations or serious wrongdoing by a public officer. He argued that the alleged diversion of funds and abuse of office represented a fundamental breach of constitutional and ethical standards.
The Majority Leader informed the House that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, satisfying the constitutional threshold required to initiate the process.
He urged the Kano Speaker to ensure the notice is transmitted to the deputy governor in accordance with legal provisions.
“Based on the foregoing allegations, we hereby resolve that His Excellency, Aminu Abdussalam, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, be impeached and removed from office in accordance with the provisions of Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Dala of Kano said.
Following the presentation, members of the Kano Assembly signalled their support for the notice. The Speaker acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to formally notify the deputy governor as required by law.
Under constitutional procedures, once the notice is served, the House may request the Chief Judge of the state to constitute an investigative panel if the motion secures the constitutionally required majority.
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