Kano dep gov: Garo, Takai, Falgore tipped as impeachment plot begins

The Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday set in motion impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of the state, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust. The notice of impeachment was presented on the floor of the Assembly by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, […]

The Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday set in motion impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of the state, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The notice of impeachment was presented on the floor of the Assembly by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who explained that the action was taken in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

According to him, the impeachment notice contained several allegations linked to Gwarzo’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as deputy governor.

 

Allegations of diversion of funds

Dala alleged that while serving as Commissioner for Local Government and overseeing the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils, the deputy governor participated in the diversion of funds meant for local government operations.

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Between June 2023 and January 2024, Abdussalam was accused of receiving a kickback of N1.5 million from each of the 44 local government areas monthly.

The arrangement, according to the Majority Leader, amounted to N66 million every month for seven months, totalling N462 million.

He further alleged that between February and July 2024, Abdussalam received additional payments from the councils under the guise of executing special assignments. These payments, he said, amounted to N3.255 million monthly from each local government, bringing the total to about N726 million over six months.

“The alleged payments constituted another breach of public trust and violated the principles of transparency and accountability expected of a public officer,” Dala told the Assembly.

The impeachment notice also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office. Dala claimed Gwarzo used his position as commissioner to facilitate payments of N10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited.

The transaction, which allegedly amounted to N440 million, was said to have been carried out in contravention of the state’s procurement and fiscal management laws.

“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” Dala declared.

He added that the allegations, taken together, amounted to gross misconduct within the meaning of Section 188(2) of the constitution.

Dala explained that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional requirement for initiating the process.

He urged the Speaker to approve the transmission of the notice to the deputy governor as required by law.

“Based on the foregoing allegations, we hereby resolve that His Excellency, Aminu Abdussalam, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, be impeached and removed from office in accordance with the provisions of Section 188 of the Constitution,” he said.

He said following the presentation, members of the Assembly indicated their support for the notice.

The Speaker subsequently acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to communicate the allegations to the deputy governor in line with constitutional procedures, according to the Majority Leader.

 

‘Real reasons behind planned impeachment’

While the allegations are weighty, many analysts in the state believe the real reason behind the move is Gwarzo’s decision to remain in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) rather than follow his principal, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since the governor’s defection last month, he has not been seen at most public functions with his deputy. On the contrary, Abdussalam has been attending NNPP meetings with the party’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Indications of Abdulsalam’s possible replacement are already gaining momentum.

Prominent among those tipped to succeed him if impeached are the APC deputy governorship candidate in 2023, Murtala Sule Garo; former PDP gubernatorial candidate in 2015, Salihu Sagir Takai; and even the current Speaker of the Assembly, Jibril Isma’il Falgore.

Some political watchers suggest that Gwarzo may even be fielded by Kwankwaso to challenge Governor Yusuf in 2027, should the impeachment succeed.

 

What the constitution says – Lawyer

Legal practitioner Barrister Audu Bulama explained the constitutional process in an interview.

He noted that six stages must be followed before a governor or deputy governor can be impeached in Nigeria.

According to him, “First, at least one-third of the members of the Assembly must sign a written notice outlining the allegations. The Speaker then serves the notice to the governor or deputy within seven days.

“Second, two-thirds of the Assembly must vote in support of investigating the allegations.

“Third, the Speaker writes to the Chief Judge of the state, requesting the constitution of a seven-member investigative panel. The panel must consist of people of proven integrity who are not politicians or public servants.

“Fourth, the panel has three months to conduct its investigation, during which the accused must be given full opportunity to defend himself.

“Fifth, the panel submits its report to the Assembly, stating whether the allegations were proven,” he added.

The UK based lawyer said if finally the panel finds the accused guilty, two-thirds of the Assembly must vote in favour of impeachment for removal to take place. “If the panel clears the accused, the Assembly cannot proceed further,” he concluded.

 

Impeachment move not surprising – Dr Sufi

Dr Kabiru Sa’id Sufi, a Kano-based political analyst and lecturer at the Kano State College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies, described the impeachment move as unsurprising.

“Looking at what has been happening across the states in the past, it did not come as a surprise,” he told Daily Trust.

“The only exceptions are when such situations occur close to the expiration of a term. But once there is ample time, the legislature and the governor usually prepare for this kind of exercise.”

He noted that Section 188 of the Constitution provides for the impeachment of governors and deputy governors, and the Assembly appears to be exercising that provision.

“As you rightly mentioned, the main reason is that he is not in the same party with the governor. What is left to be seen is whether the laid-down procedures will be followed. If they are, the impeachment may succeed. If not, the deputy governor could seek judicial intervention,” he said.

According to Dr Sufi, the fallout of such a situation is often severe. Once a governor and deputy governor belong to different parties, the relationship becomes strained, making it difficult for the deputy to function effectively.

“Most of his official duties may be removed, and he may not feel comfortable attending functions. Abstaining from those duties could then provide grounds for impeachment,” he added.

On whether the impeachment would affect the governor’s popularity, Dr Sufi said the outcome depends largely on how the case is presented to the public.

“If the electorate are not convinced, they may side with the underdog, in this case the deputy governor. But if convincing reasons are brought forward, such as alleged corruption or infractions, then it may boost the governor’s standing. It all depends on whether the people believe the charges or see them as politically motivated,” he concluded.

All efforts to hear from the Deputy Governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba Shuaib, proved abortive as he neither answered calls nor returned them at press time.

 

Its witchhunt – Kwankwasiyya Movement

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has faulted the move, describing it as “political witch-hunting” and insisted that the deputy governor was being targeted for refusing to decamp with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).  

Deputy Spokesperson of the Movement, Mansur Kurugu, argued that the impeachment process was being rushed without adherence to constitutional provisions, noting that the law requires a formal allegation of gross misconduct backed by one-third of the lawmakers, followed by an investigative panel. 

He maintained that no such misconduct could be established against the deputy governor.  

He further warned that the move would backfire politically, saying it would alienate voters rather than attract support for the ruling party. 

“The people of Kano voted for both the governor and his deputy on the same NNPP ticket, and there has been no indication of dissatisfaction with the deputy governor’s performance,” he said.  

Kurugu added that the Kwankwasiyya Movement was reviewing the situation and would take steps within the law to resist the impeachment.