Kano Assembly Moves to Impeach Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo

The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced formal 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 of the Assembly, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the process was initiated in line with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

According to Dala, the allegations against the deputy governor relate both to his current position and his previous role as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024.

He told lawmakers that between February and July 2024, Gwarzo allegedly received additional monthly payments from local government councils for what were described as special assignments. The payments were said to be N3.255 million from each local government council per month, amounting to roughly N726 million over six months.

The Majority Leader argued that the alleged payments represent a serious breach of public trust and violate the principles of transparency and accountability required of public office holders.

The notice also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office in connection with a transaction reportedly valued at about N440 million, which lawmakers claim contravened the state’s procurement and fiscal management regulations.

Dala told the Assembly that the alleged misuse of official authority to secure undue advantage amounts to abuse of power and contradicts the ethical standards expected of government officials.

He added that the various allegations collectively constitute “gross misconduct” as defined under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, which includes serious violations of constitutional provisions or significant wrongdoing by a public office holder.

The Majority Leader disclosed that the impeachment notice had been endorsed by 38 lawmakers, satisfying the constitutional threshold required to initiate impeachment proceedings.

Following the presentation, members of the Assembly signalled their support for the motion, after which the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the notice and is expected to formally transmit the allegations to the deputy governor.

Under constitutional procedures, once the notice is served, the Assembly may request the state’s Chief Judge to set up an investigative panel to examine the claims if the motion secures the required majority support.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor has refused to defect to the All Progressive Congress APC weeks after his boss Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf dumped the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP for the ruling APC.