Kano Assembly Begins Impeachment Proceedings Against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam

The Kano State House of Assembly (KNHA) 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 followed a petition submitted to the Assembly by the state executive, urging lawmakers to take action against the Deputy Governor over alleged irregularities during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024.

Reading the petition on the floor of the House, the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, said the impeachment notice was in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

According to him, the notice alleged that Abdulsalam engaged in activities amounting to impeachable offences while overseeing the state’s 44 local government areas.

He said the petition accused the Deputy Governor of breach of public trust, diversion of funds, misuse of official capacity, abuse of office and gross misconduct.

Dala stated that Abdulsalam allegedly diverted funds meant for local government administrations for personal benefit.

He explained that between June 2023 and January 2024, the Deputy Governor allegedly received kickbacks amounting to ₦462 million over a period of seven months.

The Majority Leader further alleged that from February 2024 to July 2024, Abdulsalam reportedly received another ₦726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

He also said the Deputy Governor was accused of facilitating the improper release of ₦440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.

Dala noted that the alleged actions constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution and represent serious violations of constitutional provisions and ethical standards expected of public office holders.

He added that based on the evidence presented before the Assembly, the Deputy Governor should be impeached and removed from office in accordance with constitutional procedures.

Meanwhile, the Assembly has given Abdulsalam two weeks to respond to the allegations contained in the petition.

Reports indicate that further legislative action will depend on the Deputy Governor’s response after the stipulated period.