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 during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action was initiated in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
While addressing lawmakers, Dala outlined a series of allegations linked to Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as actions allegedly taken in his current role as deputy governor.
He stated that the claims largely revolve around the diversion of local government funds and other conduct deemed impeachable under constitutional provisions.
According to the Majority Leader, the constitution empowers a State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against a deputy governor once allegations of gross misconduct are formally raised and endorsed by the constitutionally required number of members.
Dala alleged that during Abdussalam’s oversight of the state’s 44 local government councils, he received monthly payments of N1.5 million from each council between June 2023 and January 2024.
The arrangement, he said, amounted to N66 million per month and a total of N462 million over seven months.
He further claimed that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor collected additional funds under the guise of special assignments.
According to him, each of the 44 councils allegedly paid N3.255 million monthly during the six-month period, resulting in an estimated total of N726 million.
The Majority Leader described the alleged transactions as a grave violation of public trust and contrary to the principles of transparency and accountability expected of public office holders.
The impeachment notice also cited a separate allegation involving payments to a private firm.
Dala accused Abdussalam of facilitating the disbursement of N10 million from each of the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, amounting to N440 million in total.
He alleged that the payments were made in violation of the state’s procurement and fiscal management regulations.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” the majority leader said while presenting the notice.
Dala stated that the combined allegations constitute gross misconduct, as outlined in Section 188(2) of the Constitution.
He clarified that this term refers to serious violations of the Constitution or other major misconduct by a public official.
He emphasized that the reported misappropriation of funds and abuse of authority amounted to a serious breach of both constitutional and ethical obligations.
According to Dala, the impeachment notice had the backing of 38 lawmakers, satisfying the constitutional threshold necessary to commence proceedings.
He further called on the Speaker to authorize the formal delivery of the notice to the deputy governor, in accordance with legal requirements.
“Based on the foregoing allegations, we hereby resolve that His Excellency, Aminu Abdussalam, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, be impeached and removed from office in accordance with the provisions of Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Dala said.
Under the constitutional framework, once the notice is officially served, the House has the authority to request the state’s Chief Judge to set up an investigative panel provided the motion receives the required majority.
After the notice was presented, several Assembly members indicated their backing for the motion.
The Speaker confirmed the receipt of the document and is expected to formally inform the deputy governor in line with legal
