The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust.
The notice of impeachment was presented during plenary on Thursday by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action was in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Dala told lawmakers that the allegations stemmed from Gwarzo’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as actions allegedly taken since he assumed office as deputy governor.
According to the Majority Leader, the deputy governor was accused of diverting funds from the state’s 44 local government councils while supervising their administration.
He alleged that between June 2023 and January 2024, Gwarzo collected N1.5m monthly from each of the 44 local government areas, amounting to N66m per month and N462m within seven months.
Dala said the payments were a serious breach of public trust and undermined accountability in governance.
The lawmaker 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.
He said each local government council reportedly paid N3.255m monthly, bringing the total amount received within the six-month period to about N726m.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office in relation to the payment of N10m each by the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, allegedly facilitated by Gwarzo.
According to him, the payments amounted to N440m and were carried out in violation of the state’s procurement and fiscal regulations.
“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 cumulative allegations amounted to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the Constitution.
Dala disclosed that 38 members of the Assembly endorsed the impeachment notice, meeting the constitutional requirement needed to initiate the process.
He urged the Speaker to ensure the notice was transmitted to the deputy governor in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Following the presentation, members of the Assembly signalled support for the motion, while the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the notice and indicated that it would be formally served on the deputy governor.
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