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 taken in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Dala told lawmakers that the notice contains several 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.
According to him, the accusations center on the diversion of local government funds, abuse of office, and other conduct regarded as impeachable under the constitution.
Dala alleged that while supervising the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils, Abdussalam was involved in diverting funds meant for council operations. He claimed that between June 2023 and January 2024, the deputy governor received N1.5 million monthly from each of the 44 local government areas.
The Majority Leader said the arrangement amounted to N66 million monthly over seven months, bringing the total to N462 million. He described the alleged payments as a serious breach of public trust that undermines confidence in governance.
He further alleged that from February to July 2024, Abdussalam received additional payments under the pretext of executing special assignments. According to him, each local government council allegedly paid N3.255 million monthly during the six-month period, bringing the total to about N726 million.
Dala maintained that the alleged transactions violated the principles of transparency and accountability expected of public office holders.
The impeachment notice also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office in connection with another transaction. Dala claimed Abdussalam facilitated payments of N10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited.
He said the payments, amounting to N440 million, were allegedly carried out 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.
He added that the cumulative allegations amount to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the constitution.
Dala explained that gross misconduct includes serious constitutional violations or grave wrongdoing by a public officer, arguing that the alleged diversion of funds and abuse of office represent a fundamental breach of constitutional and ethical standards.
The Majority Leader also informed the House that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold required to initiate the process.
He urged the Speaker to ensure that the notice is transmitted to the deputy governor in accordance with the law.
“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.
Following the presentation, members of the Assembly signaled support for the notice. The Speaker acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to formally notify the deputy governor as stipulated by law.
Under constitutional procedure, once the notice is served, the House may request the Chief Judge of the state to constitute an investigative panel if the motion secures the required majority.
This comes after Governor Abba Yusuf defected to the All Progressives Party. However, former Governor of the State Rabiu Kwankwaso condemned Abba’s defection.
