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 move was in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Addressing lawmakers, Dala stated that the allegations stem from Gwarzo’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs between 2023 and 2024, as well as actions allegedly linked to his current position as deputy governor.
According to the majority leader, the deputy governor is accused of participating in the diversion of funds meant for the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils while overseeing the ministry.
Dala 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. He said the arrangement amounted to ₦66 million monthly and a total of ₦462 million over a seven-month period.
He further claimed that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor allegedly received additional payments from the councils under the guise of executing special assignments. According to him, the payments amounted to ₦3.255 million monthly from each council, bringing the total to about ₦726 million over six months.
The majority leader said the alleged payments represented a serious breach of public trust and undermined the principles of transparency and accountability expected of public officials.
The impeachment notice also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office. Dala alleged that Gwarzo 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 totalled ₦440 million, was carried out in violation of the state’s procurement and fiscal management laws.
“The misuse of official authority to confer undue advantage constitutes an abuse of power and is contrary to the responsibilities attached to 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 lawmakers that the impeachment notice had been endorsed by 38 members of the Assembly, satisfying the constitutional threshold required to initiate the process.
He subsequently urged the Speaker to transmit the notice to the deputy governor in line with constitutional procedures.
Following the presentation, members of the Assembly indicated their support for the motion, while the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the notice.
In accordance with constitutional provisions, the House is expected to formally serve the allegations on the deputy governor. If the motion secures the necessary legislative backing, the Assembly may request the Chief Judge of Kano State to constitute an investigative panel to examine the claims.
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