Impeachment Saga: Kano Assembly withdraws notice against Gwarzo

The Kano State House of Assembly has withdrawn its notice of impeachment against former Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, one month after initiating the process.

The decision was announced on Tuesday during plenary, following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini, and presided over by the Speaker, Jibril Isma’il.

The assembly said the impeachment process had become unnecessary following Gwarzo’s resignation from office.

The lawmakers had, on March 4, accused the former deputy governor of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust, giving him a two-week ultimatum to respond to the allegations.

Subsequently, 38 lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC) signed the impeachment notice, while the two members representing the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) declined to endorse it.

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According to the notice, the assembly alleged that Gwarzo received kickbacks from the 44 local government councils in the state between June 2023 and January 2024.

Lawmakers claimed he collected about N1.5 million monthly from each council, amounting to approximately N66 million per month and a total of N462 million within the seven-month period

The notice further alleged that between February and July 2024, he received additional payments totalling N726 million under the guise of executing special assignments for the councils.

Gwarzo was also accused of facilitating the release of N440 million from the councils to Novomed Pharmaceuticals Limited in violation of state procurement and fiscal management laws.

However, addressing journalists on Tuesday, Hussaini said the assembly decided to withdraw the motion in line with its rules following the former deputy governor’s voluntary resignation.

“We have withdrawn all charges against him, and the matter has been laid to rest. We will no longer pursue these offences because our role is limited to removing an official if found guilty. Since he has voluntarily resigned, how can we continue? We are not the EFCC or ICPC; our mandate has been fulfilled,” he said.

Gwarzo had resigned on March 27, citing the overall interest of the people and the need to maintain stability in the state.

However, he maintained that his resignation does not amount to an admission of guilt, insisting that his record in public office reflects integrity and commitment to service.