… Over Alleged ₦1.6bn Funds Diversion
AfriqueCAN
IMPEACHMENT proceedings have been initiated against the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
Lawmakers in the Northern Nigeria state took the step following allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
Majority Leader of the House, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who presented the impeachment notice during plenary, said the action was taken in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Dala told his colleagues that the allegations relate to Abdussalam’s tenure as commissioner for local government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current position as deputy governor.
He added that the deputy governor allegedly participated in the diversion of funds meant for the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils during his tenure as commissioner overseeing the sector.
According to him, Abdussalam received a monthly kickback of N1.5 million from each of the 44 local government areas between June 2023 and January 2024.
He said the arrangement amounted to ₦66 million monthly and a total of ₦462 million within the seven months.
Dala further alleged that between February and July 2024, the deputy governor received additional payments from the local government councils under the pretext of executing special assignments.
According to him, the payments amounted to ₦3.255 million monthly from each council, bringing the total to about ₦726 million over the six months.
Dala alleged that Abdussalam used his position as commissioner to facilitate payments of ₦10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited.
He said the transaction, which allegedly amounted to ₦440 million, was carried out in violation of the state’s procurement and fiscal management laws.