The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor of the state, Aminu Abdulsalam, over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust.
The move followed a petition submitted to the House by the executive, urging lawmakers to take action against Abdulsalam over alleged irregularities during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024.
Reading the petition during plenary, the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, said the notice complied with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Dala said the allegations were connected to Abdulsalam’s activities while supervising the affairs of the state’s 44 local government areas.
According to the petition, Abdulsalam allegedly diverted funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain.
It stated that between June 2023 and January 2024, the deputy governor allegedly received kickbacks totalling N462 million over a period of seven months.
The petition also accused him of diversion of funds and misuse of official capacity, alleging that from February 2024 to July 2024, he received N726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.
It further alleged that Abdulsalam facilitated the improper release of N440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.
According to the petition, the actions constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution and represent serious breaches of constitutional provisions and ethical standards expected of public office holders.
Dala said that based on the evidence presented, the deputy governor should be impeached and removed from office in accordance with constitutional procedures.
He added that Abdulsalam had been given two weeks to respond to the allegations contained in the petition.