The Kano House of Assembly has commenced an impeachment process of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, by serving him a notice to defend allegations against him that constituted impeachment offences.
At a special session on Thursday, the notice read at plenary consisted of allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust.
The House Majority leader, Lawan Husaini Yangurasa, who addressed journalists after the session, confirmed the development, noting that he presented the notice of the impeachment.
According to him, the action was taken in line with the provisions of Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines the procedure for the removal of a governor or deputy governor.
People’s Pen24 reports that the impeachment move against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo stems from growing political tension in Kano State.
The conflict intensified after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defected to the APC, while Gwarzo remained loyal to the NNPP, creating friction within the state government.
His refusal to align with the governor’s new political platform reportedly prompted calls for his resignation, leading to the current impeachment proceedings.
Yangurasa further explained that the notice of impeachment was formally laid before the House and signed by 38 lawmakers.
“As you have witnessed today during the plenary, a notice of impeachment of His Excellency the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam, was presented by my humble self before the floor,” he said.
Yangurasa said the notice contained allegations of fraud, violations and other forms of gross misconduct which, according to him, constitute impeachable offences under the constitution.
He, however, clarified that the deputy governor had not been impeached yet, noting that the process had only just begun.
“The power of the House is not to just sit down today and impeach somebody. It is a procedural process. What we have started today is the first step, which is the presentation of a notice of impeachment containing some charges,” he said.
He explained that the notice would be transmitted to the deputy governor, who is expected to respond to the allegations within two weeks.
According to him, after receiving the response, the House will review the defence and decide whether to proceed with the impeachment process.
Yangurasa added that if the deputy governor chooses to resign before the process is completed, the matter would be considered closed.
“When he resigns honourably, it is all over. The matter is closed. And that is our hope,” he said.