Kano Assembly Impeaches Deputy Governor Gwarzo

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

No fewer than 38 lawmakers reportedly signed a notice seeking the deputy governor’s removal from office. The notice was presented during plenary in accordance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), which outlines the procedure for removing a governor or deputy governor from office.

While presenting the impeachment notice, a lawmaker told the House that the action was based on several allegations linked to Gwarzo’s conduct both as Deputy Governor and during his previous tenure as Commissioner for Local Government.

According to the notice, the deputy governor allegedly received kickbacks from the state’s 44 local government councils between June 2023 and January 2024.

Lawmakers claimed that Gwarzo collected ₦1.5 million monthly from each local government council, amounting to about ₦66 million every month and a total of approximately ₦462 million within seven months.

The notice also alleged that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor received additional payments totaling ₦726 million, reportedly under the pretext of executing special assignments for the councils.

The lawmakers further 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.

According to the Assembly, the payment allegedly violated state procurement regulations and fiscal management laws.

The Assembly stated that the allegations collectively constitute gross misconduct, which could warrant the deputy governor’s removal from office under constitutional provisions.

“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,” a lawmaker said during plenary.

If the process continues, the next stage would involve further legislative procedures as outlined by the constitution for impeachment proceedings against a deputy governor.