Dare Babalola
The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of the state, Abdulsalam Aminu Gwarzo.
The move follows a motion raised by lawmakers during a plenary session, alleging gross misconduct and abuse of office by the deputy governor.
The lawmakers’ decision to start the impeachment process is backed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. This constitution gives state legislatures the power to initiate proceedings against a deputy governor.
The allegations of gross misconduct brought forward by members triggered this move, aligning with the constitutional provisions.
The Speaker of the House said the notice of allegations has been formally served on the deputy governor, giving him the opportunity to respond to the claims levelled against him in two weeks.
Lawmakers say the process will follow constitutional procedures, which include the possible constitution of an investigative panel to examine the allegations and make recommendations to the Assembly.
According to the notice, the deputy governor allegedly received kickbacks from the 44 local government councils in the state between June 2023 and January 2024.
The lawmakers claimed that Abdussalam collected about N1.5 million monthly from each council, amounting to about N66 million per month and a total of N462 million within the seven-month period.
The deputy governor has refused to join the All Progressive Congress and has not been since around the governor or the government house.
