A Kano-based civil society organisation, the Movement for Good Governance and Societal Development (MGGSD), has accused the state House of Assembly of prioritising the impeachment of Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo over investigating serious corruption allegations against Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.
The criticism was delivered by the group’s Civil Society Initiative (CSI) wing during a press conference in Kano on Sunday. The assembly recently commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor, citing gross misconduct, breach of office, and abuse of public trust. Lawmakers subsequently granted him two weeks to formally respond to the allegations.
Sani Yusuf, coordinator of the MGGSD, stated that the assembly appears more focused on a political action against the deputy governor than on addressing multiple financial accusations involving state funds. He described the impeachment attempt as a test of the lawmakers’ constitutional maturity and accused the assembly of remaining silent on several financial matters while moving swiftly against the deputy governor.
Yusuf cited specific allegations requiring legislative scrutiny, including ₦6.5 billion linked to the Government House, an interim forfeiture of ₦1.1 billion traced to Bureau De Change transactions in Abuja, and ₦1.02 billion involving the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC). He also referenced claims by a former anti-corruption official that approximately ₦500 million was allegedly sent by 44 local governments for court-related matters.
Further concerns raised by the group include the alleged diversion of funds meant for Ramadan feeding programmes and the purported sponsorship of thousands of political allies on pilgrimage to Mecca. Yusuf argued that these issues demand urgent attention as residents face challenges like water scarcity, insecurity, hunger, and poverty.
“To pursue a deputy governor at this time allegedly because of misconduct while ignoring these systemic haemorrhages suggests that the House is more interested in polishing the throne than protecting the house and the people,” he said.
The MGGSD also accused lawmakers of politicising the impeachment process, alleging some prioritise personal political interests over public welfare. The group urged the assembly to remember its mandate originates from the people, not political parties or the executive. It warned that undermining constitutional processes for political gain creates dangerous precedents.
The organisation pledged continued monitoring of state affairs and called on other civil society groups and residents to defend constitutional governance. “Let the Constitution be our only compass,” Yusuf added.
