Lawmakers in Kano State have begun impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over claims of fund diversion totaling more than ₦1.6 billion during his prior role as local government commissioner and current position.
The motion, tabled by Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala during a plenary session on Wednesday, accuses Gwarzo of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
Dala alleged that between June 2023 and January 2024, Gwarzo received ₦1.5 million monthly kickbacks from each of the state’s 44 local government areas, amounting to ₦66 million per month and ₦462 million overall.
From February to July 2024, he claimed additional payments of ₦3.255 million monthly from each council for purported special assignments, totaling ₦726 million over six months.
Dala further charged that Gwarzo facilitated ₦10 million payments from each local government to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, reaching ₦440 million, in violation of procurement and fiscal laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” Dala told the assembly.
He added that the alleged payments “constituted a breach of public trust and undermined the transparency and accountability expected of public officials.”
The notice, backed by 38 lawmakers, meets the constitutional threshold, with the speaker set to notify Gwarzo for a response.
If advanced, the chief judge may form an investigative panel.
Gwarzo has not yet commented on the allegations.
