Kano Assembly Commences Impeachment of Deputy Governor for Alleged Financial Infractions

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, citing gross misconduct and abuse of office. 

The move follows his dual role as Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024.

Lawmakers allege Gwarzo diverted N462 million in local government funds through monthly kickbacks from the state’s 44 councils. He is also accused of illegally facilitating a N440 million payment to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, violating state procurement and fiscal laws.

Further allegations involve a breach of public trust regarding N726 million reportedly received for “special assignments” from local government accounts. The impeachment notice, signed by 38 of the 40 lawmakers, has already been officially presented to the Assembly.

Speaker Ismail Falgore has directed that the Deputy Governor be served formally, giving him 14 days to respond to these claims. If the allegations are upheld by an investigative panel, a two-thirds majority vote will lead to his removal.

Politically, observers link the move to Gwarzo’s refusal to defect from the NNPP to the APC alongside Governor Abba Yusuf. His continued loyalty to party leader Rabiu Kwankwaso has reportedly created a deep rift within the state’s executive branch.

The state government has suggested that Gwarzo’s refusal to follow the Governor’s political path has weakened governance. Officials argued that since he cannot be sacked like an appointee, legal infractions must be used for constitutional removal.

The NNPP has cautioned the Assembly against coercion, emphasizing that Gwarzo was democratically elected. There are speculations that if removed, Gwarzo may challenge Governor Yusuf in the next election under the NNPP banner.