By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
The storm is gathering for the Kano state Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, as the state House of Assembly begins the impeachment process, with heavy allegations levelled against him.
He has been given two weeks to respond to all the allegations.
The Kano State House of Assembly began the impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor on Thursday.
The allegations levelled against him ranged from gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The action followed a petition submitted by the Executive Arm of the state government, urging the House to act against the Deputy Governor, over alleged irregularities during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024.
The Majority Leader of the House, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who read the petition, said the notice complies with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).
The allegations relate to the Deputy Governor’s alleged activities while overseeing the state’s 44 Local Government Areas, as the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.
Below are the contents of the Petition, as read by the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly:
Breach of Public Trust: Abdulsalam is accused of diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain. Between June 2023 and January 2024, he allegedly received kickbacks totaling ₦462 million over seven months.
Diversion of Funds and Misuse of Official Capacity: From February 2024 to July 2024, he reportedly received ₦726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.
Isa Kaita College
Abuse of Office: Abdulsalam allegedly facilitated the improper release of ₦440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited, in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.
Gross Misconduct: These actions are said to constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards for public office holders.
The Majority Leader of the House further explained that, based on the evidence presented, the Deputy Governor should be impeached and removed from office in accordance with constitutional procedures.
Abdulsalam has been given two weeks to respond to the allegations contained in the petition.
Our Correspondent reports that the Kano state Deputy Governor has been in the eye of the storm, following his refusal to follow his boss, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to decamp from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Instead, he has been seen in public political romance with the National Leader of the NNPP, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who is also the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Political Movement.
Kwankwaso is the former political godfather of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
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