Kano Gov: Garo, Takai, Falgore Linked to Impeachment Plot

Kano State House of Assembly Initiates Impeachment Process Against Deputy Governor

The Kano State House of Assembly has taken a significant step by initiating impeachment proceedings against the state’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. This move comes amid serious allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust. The process was officially launched on Thursday, with the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, presenting the notice of impeachment to the Assembly.

According to Dala, the action was in line with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). He detailed that the 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

One of the key accusations is the diversion of funds meant for local government operations. Dala alleged that while serving as Commissioner for Local Government, Gwarzo received kickbacks from each of the 44 local government areas. Specifically, he was accused of receiving N1.5 million monthly from each council, totaling N66 million per month over seven months, which amounts to N462 million.

Additionally, between February and July 2024, Gwarzo allegedly received further payments from the councils under the guise of executing special assignments. These payments were said to amount to N3.255 million monthly from each local government, bringing the total to about N726 million over six months. Dala emphasized that these actions constituted a breach of public trust and violated transparency and accountability principles.

Abuse of Office and Illegal Transactions

Dala also claimed that Gwarzo abused his position as commissioner to facilitate payments of N10 million each from the 44 local government councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited. This 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. Dala stated that such misuse of official capacity constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office.

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.

Political Motivations Behind the Move

While the allegations are substantial, many analysts 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. Instead, 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.

Constitutional Process for Impeachment

Legal practitioner Barrister Audu Bulama outlined the constitutional process for impeachment in an interview. According to him, six stages must be followed before a governor or deputy governor can be impeached in Nigeria. These include:

• 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.
• Two-thirds of the Assembly must vote in support of investigating the allegations.
• The Speaker writes to the Chief Judge of the state, requesting the constitution of a seven-member investigative panel.
• The panel has three months to conduct its investigation, during which the accused must be given full opportunity to defend himself.
• The panel submits its report to the Assembly, stating whether the allegations were proven.

If finally the panel finds the accused guilty, two-thirds of the Assembly must vote in favor of impeachment for removal to take place. If the panel clears the accused, the Assembly cannot proceed further.

Analysts’ Perspectives

Dr Kabiru Sa’id Sufi, a Kano-based political analyst, described the impeachment move as unsurprising. He noted that such situations are common across states in Nigeria, especially when there is ample time before the end of a term. He emphasized that Section 188 of the Constitution provides for the impeachment of governors and deputy governors, and the Assembly appears to be exercising that provision.

Dr Sufi also highlighted the potential fallout of such a situation, noting that once a governor and deputy governor belong to different parties, the relationship becomes strained, making it difficult for the deputy to function effectively.

Opposition and Legal Challenges

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has criticized the move, describing it as ‘political witch-hunting’ and insisting that the deputy governor was being targeted for refusing to decamp with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the APC. Deputy Spokesperson of the Movement, Mansur Kurugu, argued that the impeachment process was being rushed without adherence to constitutional provisions.

Kurugu maintained that no such misconduct could be established against the deputy governor and warned that the move would backfire politically, alienating voters rather than attracting support for the ruling party. He added that the movement was reviewing the situation and would take steps within the law to resist the impeachment.