The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdulsalam, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The action follows a petition submitted by the Executive urging the House to act against Abdulsalam over alleged irregularities during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024.
Reading the petition, Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala said the notice complies with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended). The allegations relate to Abdulsalam’s activities while overseeing the state’s 44 local government areas.
The petition lists the following allegations:
Breach of Public Trust: Abdulsalam is accused of diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain. Between June 2023 and January 2024, he allegedly received kickbacks totaling ₦462 million over seven months.
Diversion of Funds and Misuse of Official Capacity: From February 2024 to July 2024, he reportedly received ₦726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.
Abuse of Office: Abdulsalam allegedly facilitated the improper release of ₦440 million to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.
Gross Misconduct: These actions are said to constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards for public office holders.
Dala explained that, based on the evidence presented, the Deputy Governor should be impeached and removed from office in accordance with constitutional procedures.
Abdulsalam has been given two weeks to respond to the allegations contained in the petition.
Source: Paradigm News