Kano Assembly Initiates Impeachment Against Deputy Governor

Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday moved to impeach Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, citing gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The motion was raised during plenary by Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala, who presented the impeachment notice on the floor of the House. Speaker Ismail Falgore read the notice and directed that it be served on the deputy governor, allowing him two weeks to respond to the allegations.

According to the lawmakers, the process aligns with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers state assemblies to initiate impeachment against a deputy governor for impeachable offences. The notice accuses Gwarzo of diverting funds from the 44 local government councils in the state during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between June 2023 and January 2024.

Specifically, the allegations claim that the deputy governor collected kickbacks amounting to N1.5 million monthly from each council, totaling N66 million per month and an estimated N462 million over the seven-month period. Lawmakers further alleged breach of public trust and other actions deemed contrary to his oath of office.

The development comes amid political tensions in the state, following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Gwarzo has refused to join the APC and has not been seen around the governor or at the Government House in recent times, fueling speculations of a rift. As previously reported by NaijaChoice News, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), to which Gwarzo belongs, had rejected calls for his resignation, arguing that executive council matters should not be politicised.

The Assembly has assured that the impeachment will follow due process, including the potential setup of a seven-member investigative panel to probe the claims and submit recommendations. If found guilty by a two-thirds majority vote, Gwarzo could be removed from office.

Gwarzo, a former labour leader and comrade, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. However, sources close to him described the move as politically motivated, aimed at consolidating power within the APC fold.

This is not the first time such rumours have surfaced. In February, the Assembly denied any impeachment plans against the deputy governor, calling reports unfounded. But with 38 out of 40 lawmakers signing the current notice, the process appears set to proceed.