Amanze Chinonye
The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced 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 notice of impeachment was presented during plenary by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action was taken in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which outlines the procedure for the removal of a deputy governor.
Dala told lawmakers that the impeachment notice contains several allegations linked to Gwarzo’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as deputy governor.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to him, the allegations border on diversion of local government funds, abuse of office and other actions considered impeachable under the constitution.
The majority leader alleged that while serving as Commissioner for Local Government and overseeing the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils, the deputy governor participated in the diversion of funds meant for local government operations.
He told the Assembly that between June 2023 and January 2024, Gwarzo allegedly received a monthly kickback of N1.5 million from each of the 44 local government areas.
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According to Dala, the arrangement amounted to N66 million every month for seven months, totalling N462 million, which he said constituted a breach of public trust and undermined confidence in public governance.
He further alleged that between February and July 2024, Gwarzo received additional payments from the local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.
The payments, he said, amounted to N3.255 million monthly from each local government council, bringing the total to about N726 million over the six-month period.
The lawmaker said the alleged payments constituted another breach of public trust and violated the principles of transparency and accountability expected of a public officer.
He added that the alleged diversion of local government funds and abuse of office represented a fundamental breach of constitutional norms and ethical standards expected from public officials.
Dala said the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement for initiating the process.
He urged the Speaker of the Assembly to approve the transmission of the notice to the deputy governor in accordance with the law.
Following the presentation, the notice is expected to be formally transmitted to Gwarzo, who will be required to respond to the allegations within the timeframe stipulated by law. If the process proceeds, the Speaker may request the Chief Judge of the state to constitute an investigative panel to examine the allegations before the Assembly takes a final decision.
Gwarzo has served as deputy governor since May 29, 2023, alongside Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The development marks a major political development in the state as the constitutional impeachment process unfolds.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
