BREAKING: Kano Assembly initiates impeachment process against deputy gov, reason emerges
- The Kano State House of Assembly has moved to impeach Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of misconduct and abuse of office
- Lawmakers accuse him of diverting local government funds and breaching public trust during his tenure as commissioner and deputy governor
- The impeachment notice, endorsed by 38 members, sets the stage for a constitutional process that could see him removed from office
The Kano State House of Assembly has begun 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.
The impeachment notice was presented by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, in line with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
Source: Facebook
According to Dala, the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s time as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as deputy governor, Dailytrust reports.
Allegations of diversion of funds
Dala alleged that between June 2023 and January 2024, Abdussalam received a monthly kickback of N1.5 million from each of the 44 local government areas, totalling N462 million over seven months.
He further claimed that between February and July 2024, Abdussalam collected additional payments of N3.255 million monthly from each council, amounting to N726 million in six months.
“These payments constituted a breach of public trust and violated the principles of transparency and accountability expected of a public officer,” Dala said.
Abuse of office allegations
The impeachment notice also accused Abdussalam of using his position to facilitate payments of N10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totalling N440 million.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” Dala stated.
Constitutional grounds for impeachment
Dala explained that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the constitution, which includes serious violations of constitutional provisions and ethical standards.
He noted that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement to initiate the process.
Next steps in the impeachment process
The Speaker of the Assembly acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to communicate the allegations to the deputy governor.
Under the constitution, once the notice is served, the House may request the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a panel to investigate the allegations if supported by the required majority of lawmakers.
As of the time of filing this report, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Fubara gets impeachment notice amid tension
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Rivers State House of Assembly has reportedly served Governor Siminalayi Fubara a notice of impeachment, as well as his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, amid the growing political tension in the state.
The two separate notices have reportedly been circulating on social media platforms and were signed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule. They were addressed to Fubara and Odu.
Vanguard reported that the Rivers State House of Assembly, earlier on Thursday, January 8, started the impeachment processings of the governor and his deputy. The lawmakers alleged that the governor was spending money without an approved appropriation bill.
Source: Legit.ng
