Kano Assembly begins impeachment process against deputy gov

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

The notice of impeachment was formally presented on the Assembly floor by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who emphasized that the action is in accordance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Dala explained that the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as deputy governor. The charges include diversion of local government funds, abuse of office, and other actions considered impeachable under the constitution.

The Majority Leader alleged that while overseeing the state’s 44 local government councils as commissioner, Abdussalam participated in the diversion of funds intended for council operations. Between June 2023 and January 2024, he reportedly received a kickback of N1.5 million from each council monthly—totaling N462 million over seven months.

Further, between February and July 2024, Abdussalam allegedly received additional payments from the councils for so-called “special assignments,” amounting to N3.255 million per council monthly, bringing the total to N726 million over six months.

The impeachment notice also accused the deputy governor of abusing his office by allegedly facilitating payments of N10 million each from the 44 councils to a pharmaceutical company, NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, amounting to N440 million in violation of the state’s procurement and fiscal laws.

“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” Dala said. He added that the combined allegations represent gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the constitution, including grave violations of constitutional provisions and serious wrongdoing by a public office holder.

Dala said the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement to initiate the process. He urged the Speaker to transmit the notice to the deputy governor as required by law.

“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,” Dala stated.

Following the presentation, members of the Assembly indicated their support for the notice. The Speaker acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to communicate the allegations to the deputy governor in line with constitutional procedures.

Under the constitution, once served, the House may request the state’s Chief Judge to constitute a panel to investigate the allegations if the motion is supported by the required majority.

The deputy governor has yet to publicly respond to the allegations as of filing this report.