The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against the state’s Deputy Governor, 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 said the action was taken in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Dala told lawmakers that the allegations stem from Gwarzo’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as deputy governor.
According to the majority leader, the deputy governor allegedly participated in the diversion of funds meant for the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils during his time overseeing the ministry.
He alleged that between June 2023 and January 2024, Gwarzo received a monthly kickback of ₦1.5 million from each of the 44 local government areas, amounting to ₦66 million monthly and a total of ₦462 million within seven months.
Dala further claimed that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor received additional payments from the councils under the guise of executing special assignments. He said the payments amounted to ₦3.255 million monthly from each council, bringing the total to about ₦726 million over the six months.
The lawmaker said the alleged payments constituted a breach of public trust and undermined the transparency and accountability expected of public officials.
The impeachment notice also accused Gwarzo of abuse of office. Dala alleged that the deputy governor used his position as commissioner to facilitate payments of ₦10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited.
He said the transaction, which allegedly amounted to ₦440 million, was carried out in violation of the state’s procurement and fiscal management laws.
“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.
He added that the allegations amount to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the Constitution.
Dala also informed the House that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement to initiate the process, and urged the Speaker to transmit the notice to the deputy governor in line with constitutional provisions.
Following the presentation, members of the Assembly indicated support for the motion, while the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the notice.
Under the Constitution, the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor and may subsequently request the state’s Chief Judge to constitute a panel to investigate the claims if the motion secures the required legislative backing.
As of the time of filing this report, Gwarzo had yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
