Kano assembly start impeachment proceedings against deputy governor
The Kano State House of Assembly has begun impeachment proceedings against the state’s deputy governor, Aminu Gwarzo, over allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety.
Lawmakers launched the process during plenary on Thursday after Lawan Dala, the majority leader of the assembly, presented a notice detailing the allegations against the deputy governor.
According to the assembly, Gwarzo is accused of gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and financial malfeasance.
Dala alleged that while serving as commissioner for local government, Gwarzo was involved in the diversion of funds allocated to local government administrations.
He claimed that between June 2023 and January 2024, the deputy governor received N1.5 million monthly from each of the state’s 44 local government areas as kickbacks. The payments allegedly amounted to N66 million every month and a total of N462 million over seven months.
The majority leader said the alleged actions constituted a serious breach of public trust and undermined the integrity of public office.
He further alleged that between February and July 2024, Gwarzo collected additional payments under the pretext of executing special assignments. According to the assembly, the deputy governor received N3.255 million from each local government monthly during the period, bringing the total to about N726 million.
Dala also accused Gwarzo of using his former position as commissioner for local government to facilitate the release of funds that enabled each of the 44 local government councils to pay N10 million to a pharmaceutical company, allegedly to confer undue advantage.
The assembly said the allegations formed the basis for the impeachment proceedings now underway.
