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Why we’re impeaching Kano deputy gov Gwarzo, by lawmakers

Why we’re impeaching Kano deputy gov Gwarzo, by lawmakers
**Kano Deputy Governor Faces Impeachment Over Corruption Allegations** The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against the state's Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo. This move comes after lawmakers accused him of various forms of misconduct, which they claim have undermined the public's trust in his office. At the core of the allegations are Gwarzo's roles as both Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Local Government. Lawmakers claim that he exploited these dual positions to embezzle millions of naira meant for local government councils. According to them, Gwarzo received kickbacks of N1.5 million each month from the 44 local governments, totaling N462 million, between June 2023 and January 2024. Furthermore, the lawmakers accuse Gwarzo of facilitating payments of N10 million each from the local governments to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, which allegedly contravenes state procurement and fiscal laws. In addition, he was accused of receiving extra payments under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N3.255 million monthly from each council, totaling N726 million between February and July 2024. The impeachment notice, signed by 38 lawmakers, has been presented to Gwarzo, who has 14 days to respond to the allegations. The Speaker of the Assembly has directed that he be formally served. Some observers believe that Gwarzo's refusal to follow Governor Abba Yusuf's defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) may have contributed to the impeachment proceedings. However, the NNPP has warned the Assembly to exercise caution, emphasizing that Gwarzo was democratically elected and should not be coerced into actions that contravene his personal convictions. This development highlights the ongoing challenges in Nigeria's governance system, where allegations of corruption and abuse of power continue to plague public institutions. The Kano State House of Assembly's decision to initiate impeachment proceedings reflects the need for accountability and transparency in governance. In the end, this saga underscores the importance of due process and the rule of law in resolving disputes and ensuring that those in power are held accountable for their actions. As the situation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how it all plays out.
Source: Original Article • AI-enhanced version for clarity & Nigerian context