By Muhammad Nur Tijani
The Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday, commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor of the state, Aminu Abdulsalam.
The move follows a petition submitted by the Executive urging the House to act against Abdulsalam over alleged irregularities during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024.
Reading the petition, Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini (APC- Dala) said the notice was issued in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).
Hussaini noted that the allegations related to Abdulsalam’s activities while overseeing the state’s 44 local government areas.
He also said that the petition alleged that Abdulsalam breached public trust by diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain, reportedly receiving kickbacks totaling N462 million between June 2023 and January 2024.
He further said that the petition claimed that between February and July 2024, the deputy govervor received N726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.
The majority leader also said that the petition accused Abdulsalam of abusing his office by facilitating the improper release of N440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited, contrary to public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.
“These actions are said to constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards for public office holders.
“Based on the evidence presented, Abdulsalam should be impeached and removed from office in accordance with constitutional procedures,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deputy governor has been given two weeks to respond to the allegations contained in the petition.
NAN also reports that the notice was signed by 38 members of the 40-member House.
(NAN)
