The Kano State House of Assembly has launched impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, citing allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The impeachment notice was formally presented during plenary by the House Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action aligns with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Dala told lawmakers the allegations span Abdussalam’s tenure as commissioner for local government and his current role as deputy governor.
“During his time as commissioner, the deputy governor allegedly diverted funds intended for the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils,” Dala said. “It is claimed that between three years ago and two years ago, he received a monthly kickback of N1.5 million from each council, totaling ₦462 million over seven months.”
He added that additional payments were allegedly made under the guise of special assignments, amounting to ₦3.255 million monthly from each council—bringing a total of about ₦726 million over six months.
Dala further accused Abdussalam of abuse of office, stating that he used his former position to facilitate payments of ₦10 million from each local council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, a transaction allegedly worth ₦440 million. “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.
According to Dala, 38 lawmakers endorsed the impeachment notice, meeting the constitutional threshold to initiate proceedings. He urged the Speaker to formally transmit the notice to the deputy governor.
The Assembly indicated strong support for the motion, and the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the notice. Under constitutional provisions, the House may request the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a panel to investigate the allegations if the motion receives sufficient legislative backing.
As of the time of filing this report, Deputy Governor Gwarzo had not publicly responded to the allegations.
