The Kano State House of Assembly has explained the reasons behind the commencement of 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 Assembly said the move followed a petition submitted by the state 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 of the House, Lawan Hussaini Dala, stated that the notice of impeachment was in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
According to him, the allegations relate to Abdulsalam’s actions while supervising the affairs of the 44 local government areas in the state.
The petition accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal benefit. It alleged that between June 2023 and January 2024, he received kickbacks amounting to ₦462 million.
He was also accused of receiving another ₦726 million from local government councils between February and July 2024 under the guise of executing special assignments.
In addition, Abdulsalam was alleged to have facilitated the improper release of ₦440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited in violation of public procurement laws and state financial regulations.
The Assembly said the actions amount to gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution and represent serious violations of ethical standards expected of public office holders.
Meanwhile, the House has given the deputy governor two weeks to respond to the allegations leveled against him as part of the constitutional process.
