• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

Cite alleged gross misconduct related to his dual role as LG Commissioner More facts emerged yesterday as to why the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, is facing impeachment proceedings initiated by the Kano State House of Assembly. The allegations against him include gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust, specifically related to his double role as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024. Some of the specific allegations include alleged diversion of local government funds through kickbacks of N1.5 million monthly from each of the 44 local government councils, totaling N462 million between June 2023 and January 2024. He was also accused of abusing his office, as he allegedly facilitated payment of N10 million from each of the 44 councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, amounting to N440 million, in contravention of state procurement and fiscal laws. Gwarzo was accused of breach of public trust, as he allegedly received additional payments under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N3.255 million monthly from each council, totaling N726 million between February and July 2024. The impeachment notice was presented by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, and signed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold for initiating the process. The Speaker of the Assembly, Ismail Falgore, directed that Gwarzo be formally served and he has 14 days to respond to the allegations. Gwarzo's refusal to follow Governor Abba Yusuf's defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is cited by some observers as a factor in the impeachment proceedings. The NNPP has warned the Assembly to exercise caution, emphasising that Gwarzo was democratically elected and should not be coerced into actions that contravene his personal convictions. "Therefore, since he cannot be sacked like an appointee, the state lawmakers have to look at his sins and financial infractions to get constitutional backing to remove him," a cabinet member told The Nation yesterday. It was reliably gathered that Gwarzo refused to join Governor Abba Yusuf in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) because he is a loyalist of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso. His decision had led to increased pressure from the governor's camp, with the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, stating that his refusal creates "political division and weakens governance." Waiya had emphasised that the governor and deputy governor are expected to be on the same political path, suggesting that Gwarzo's integrity should guide him to step down if he disagrees with the governor's decision to defect to APC. The potential outcome of the impeachment proceedings is that Gwarzo will possibly be removed from office if the allegations against him are upheld. Already, the required majority of lawmakers have signed the impeachment document, requesting the State Chief Judge to constitute an investigative panel to examine the claims. If the panel finds Gwarzo guilty, a two-thirds majority vote in the Assembly would lead to his removal from office. While there is no clear indication of Gwarzo's plans, his loyalty to Kwankwaso and the NNPP suggests, if removed, he might contest against Yusuf in next year's election, it was learnt. Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/why-were-impeaching-kano-deputy-gov-gwarzo-by-lawmakers/