JUST IN: State Assembly Begins Impeachment Process Against Deputy Governor

The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the deputy governor of Kano State, following allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The notice of impeachment was presented during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action followed the provisions of Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

According to Dala, the notice contains several allegations linked to 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.

He told lawmakers that the claims include diversion of local government funds and abuse of office.

Dala alleged that while supervising the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils, the deputy governor received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024. The alleged payments amount to N66 million per month and a total of N462 million over seven months.

He described the arrangement as a violation of public trust.

The Majority Leader also alleged that between February and July 2024, additional payments were made to the deputy governor for what were described as special assignments. Each council allegedly paid N3.255 million monthly during the six-month period, bringing the total to about N726 million.

Dala said the transactions contravene standards of transparency and accountability expected of public officials.

The impeachment notice also cites a separate allegation involving payments to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited. According to Dala, Gwarzo allegedly facilitated payments of N10 million from each of the 44 local government councils to the company, amounting to N440 million.

He said the payments were made 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 while presenting the notice.

He added that the allegations meet the constitutional definition of gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the constitution.

The Majority Leader told lawmakers that 38 members of the Assembly endorsed the notice, meeting the constitutional requirement to begin impeachment proceedings.

Following the presentation, the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to formally notify the deputy governor.

Under constitutional procedure, once the notice is served, the House may ask the state’s Chief Judge to set up an investigative panel if the motion receives the required majority support.