By Nworisa Michael
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
Reports indicate that no fewer than 38 lawmakers signed a notice of impeachment, which was formally presented during plenary in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the provision that outlines the procedure for removing a deputy governor from office.
While presenting the notice before the House, one of the lawmakers stated that the move followed several allegations relating to Gwarzo’s actions during his time as Commissioner for Local Government and later as Deputy Governor.
“This article of impeachment serves as a formal notice by the Kano State House of Assembly, in line with Section 188 of the Constitution, against Aminu Abdussalam,” the lawmaker said.
According to the notice, the deputy governor allegedly received kickbacks from the 44 local government councils in the state between June 2023 and January 2024.
Lawmakers claimed that he collected about ₦1.5 million monthly from each council, amounting to roughly ₦66 million every month and a total of about ₦462 million within the seven-month period.
The notice also alleged that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor received additional payments totaling ₦726 million, reportedly under the guise of executing special assignments for the councils.
In addition, the Assembly accused Gwarzo of abusing his office by allegedly facilitating the release of ₦440 million from the 44 local government councils to Novomed Pharmaceuticals Limited, an action lawmakers argued contravened state procurement and fiscal management regulations.
The Assembly maintained that the allegations amount to gross misconduct and resolved to begin the constitutional process that could lead to the deputy governor’s impeachment and removal from office.
