The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds.
The impeachment notice was introduced during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who stated that the action was taken in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
According to the lawmaker, the allegations stem from Gwarzo’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024, in addition to actions linked to his current office as deputy governor.
The Assembly alleged that during his time overseeing the local government ministry, funds allocated to the state’s 44 local government councils were unlawfully diverted. Lawmakers claimed that between June 2023 and January 2024, he received ₦1.5 million monthly from each council, amounting to ₦66 million per month and ₦462 million within seven months.
Further claims indicate that from February to July 2024, additional payments were made to him under the guise of special assignments. These payments were said to total ₦3.255 million monthly from each council, amounting to approximately ₦726 million over six months.
The notice also accused the deputy governor of facilitating payments of ₦10 million from each of the 44 councils to a pharmaceutical company, NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited. The transaction, estimated at ₦440 million, was alleged to have contravened procurement and fiscal regulations.
Lawmakers described the alleged actions as a violation of public trust and a misuse of official authority, arguing that they meet the constitutional definition of gross misconduct.
The Majority Leader informed the House that 38 members endorsed the impeachment notice, satisfying the constitutional threshold required to begin the process. He urged the Speaker to formally transmit the notice to the deputy governor in line with legal procedures.
Following deliberations, members signalled support for the motion, and the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the document.
In line with constitutional provisions, the Assembly is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor. If the required legislative backing is sustained, the Chief Judge of Kano State may be requested to constitute an investigative panel to examine the claims.
As of the time of filing this report, Gwarzo had not publicly responded to the allegations.
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