The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced moves to impeach the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, following allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust.
The notice initiating the impeachment process was presented during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the step was taken in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Dala told the lawmakers that the notice contained several allegations linked to Gwarzo’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as actions allegedly carried out in his present role as deputy governor.
According to the majority leader, the allegations include diversion of local government funds, abuse of office and other acts considered impeachable under the constitution.
He alleged that while supervising the affairs of the state’s 44 local government councils, the deputy governor was involved in the diversion of funds meant for the operations of the councils.
Dala claimed that between June 2023 and January 2024, Gwarzo allegedly received N1.5m monthly from each of the 44 local government areas.
He said the arrangement translated to about N66m every month over a period of seven months, amounting to a total of roughly N462m.
The lawmaker described the alleged payments as a serious violation of public trust capable of eroding confidence in government.
Dala further alleged that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor received additional payments purportedly for special assignments.
According to him, each local government council allegedly paid N3.255m monthly during the six-month period, bringing the total amount involved to about N726m.
He maintained that the transactions, if proven, would represent a breach of the transparency and accountability expected of public office holders.
The impeachment notice also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office in connection with another financial transaction involving NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Dala alleged that Gwarzo facilitated payments of N10m each from the 44 local government councils to the pharmaceutical firm, amounting to N440m in total.
He claimed the payments were allegedly carried out in violation of the state’s procurement and financial regulations.
“The misuse of public office to grant undue advantage constitutes an abuse of authority and contradicts the responsibilities attached to public office,” the majority leader said while presenting the notice.
He added that the allegations collectively amount to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the constitution, which refers to serious violations of constitutional provisions or grave wrongdoing by a public official.
Dala also informed the House that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 members of the Assembly, thereby meeting the constitutional requirement needed to begin the process.
He urged the Speaker to ensure that the notice is served on the deputy governor in line with the provisions of the law.
Following the presentation, members of the Assembly expressed support for the notice, while the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to formally notify the deputy governor as stipulated by law.
Under the constitutional procedure, once the notice is served, the House may request the state’s Chief Judge to set up an investigative panel if the motion secures the constitutionally required majority.
