The Kano State House of Assembly in North West Nigeria has initiated impeachment proceedings against the state’s 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 in accordance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which outlines the constitutional procedure for the removal of a deputy governor.
While presenting the notice before the House, the Majority Leader, Lawan Husseni Dala, said the action was based on several allegations linked to Gwarzo’s conduct while serving as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and later as Deputy Governor.
“This article of impeachment is a formal notice by the Kano State House of Assembly in compliance 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 he collected about ₦1.5 million monthly from each council, amounting to roughly ₦66 million per month and a total of ₦462 million within the seven-month period.
The Assembly further alleged that between February and July 2024, Gwarzo received additional payments totalling ₦726 million under the guise of executing special assignments for the councils.
Lawmakers also accused the deputy governor of abusing his office by allegedly facilitating the release of ₦440 million from the 44 local government councils to Novomed Pharmaceuticals Limited in violation of state procurement and fiscal management laws.
The Assembly maintained that the allegations collectively amount to gross misconduct and has therefore resolved to begin the constitutional process that could lead to the Deputy Governor’s impeachment and removal from office