The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over serious allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust. The formal notice of impeachment was presented during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who emphasized that the action aligns with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

According to Dala, the impeachment notice outlines multiple allegations stemming from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as actions purportedly taken in his current capacity as deputy governor. The accusations primarily center on the alleged diversion of local government funds and abuse of office, actions considered impeachable under the constitution. Dala claimed that while overseeing the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils, Abdussalam was involved in diverting funds intended for council operations.

Specifically, Dala alleged that between June 2023 and January 2024, the deputy governor received N1.5 million monthly from each of the 44 local government areas. This arrangement, according to the Majority Leader, amounted to N66 million per month over seven months, totaling N462 million. He described these alleged payments as a severe breach of public trust that undermined confidence in governance. Furthermore, Dala alleged that from February to July 2024, Abdussalam received additional payments under the pretext of carrying out special assignments. During this six-month period, each local government council allegedly paid N3.255 million monthly, bringing the total to approximately N726 million. These transactions, Dala maintained, violated principles of transparency and accountability expected of public office holders.

The impeachment notice also included an accusation of abuse of office related to a separate transaction. Dala claimed that Abdussalam facilitated payments of N10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited. These payments, totaling N440 million, were allegedly executed in contravention of the state’s procurement and fiscal management regulations. The Majority Leader stated, “The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” asserting that the cumulative allegations amount to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the constitution. He explained that gross misconduct encompasses grave constitutional violations or serious 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 procedural steps for the impeachment process are underway. The Majority Leader informed the House that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, satisfying the constitutional threshold required to initiate the process. Following the presentation, members of the Assembly signaled their support for the notice. The Speaker acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to formally notify the deputy governor, giving him two weeks to defend himself. Under constitutional procedures, once the notice is served and if the motion secures the constitutionally required majority, the House may request the Chief Judge of the state to constitute an investigative panel to probe the allegations.

Adding a layer of political context, Mr. Abdussalam, a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), had reportedly declined to join Governor Abba Yusuf, lawmakers, and other officials in defecting to the All Progressives Congress earlier in January. This development followed remarks in which the deputy governor, reportedly on Wednesday, called the governor a betrayer, according to reports.