The Digest:
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust. Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala presented the notice, citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, with allegations spanning Abdussalam's tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023-2024) and his current role. Key allegations include: alleged receipt of N1.5 million monthly kickbacks from each of 44 local governments between June 2023 and January 2024 (totaling N462 million); alleged additional payments of N3.255 million monthly per local government for "special assignments" between February and July 2024 (totaling approximately N726 million); and alleged facilitation of N10 million payments from each local government to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited (totaling N440 million) in violation of procurement laws. The notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting constitutional requirements. The Speaker will now communicate the allegations to the deputy governor, who has yet to respond publicly.
Key Points
- The total alleged diversion exceeds N1.6 billion across multiple schemes.
- The allegations cover both his previous commissioner role and current position.
- The 38-lawmaker endorsement provides a strong legislative majority.
- The pharmaceutical company payment allegation raises procurement violation questions.
- The process now moves to formal notification and potential investigation panel.
Sources: Vanguard
