The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against the state’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam.

The development followed a petition submitted by the executive arm of government urging lawmakers to take action over alleged financial irregularities linked to Abdulsalam during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024.

Reading the impeachment notice during plenary on Thursday, the Majority Leader of the House, Lawan Hussaini, said the action was taken in accordance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Hussaini explained that the allegations relate to Abdulsalam’s management of the state’s 44 local government councils while serving as commissioner.

According to the petition, the deputy governor allegedly breached public trust by diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal benefit, reportedly receiving kickbacks amounting to about N462 million between June 2023 and January 2024.

The petition also alleged that between February and July 2024, Abdulsalam collected another N726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

In addition, he was accused of abusing his office by facilitating the improper release of N440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited in violation of public procurement laws and state financial regulations.

“These actions constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards expected of public office holders,” Hussaini said while presenting the notice to the House.

The lawmakers argued that, based on the allegations contained in the petition, Abdulsalam should be removed from office through the constitutional impeachment process.

The notice of impeachment was reportedly signed by 38 members of the 40-member Assembly, signalling strong legislative backing for the move.

The deputy governor has, however, been given two weeks to respond to the allegations contained in the petition before further steps are taken by the Assembly.