Group faults Kano Assembly over focus on Dep. Gov.’s impeachment, despite corruption allegations against other officials

A civil society organisation, the Movement for Good Governance and Societal Development, MGGSD, has criticised the Kano State House of Assembly for allegedly concentrating on moves to impeach the deputy governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, while failing to investigate corruption allegations against the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The group’s position was conveyed by its Civil Society Initiative, CSI, wing during a press conference held in Kano on Sunday.

According to DAILY NIGERIAN, the state assembly recently initiated impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor over allegations of gross misconduct, breach of office and abuse of public trust.

The lawmakers subsequently gave the deputy governor two weeks to respond to the allegations levelled against him.

Speaking at the press briefing, the coordinator of the group, Sani Yusuf, said the assembly appeared more interested in pursuing political action against the deputy governor than addressing serious allegations involving public funds.

According to him, the attempt to impeach the deputy governor goes beyond a mere personnel dispute and represents a test of the constitutional maturity of the lawmakers.

Mr Yusuf accused the assembly of remaining silent on several financial allegations involving the state government while allegedly moving swiftly to remove the deputy governor.

“While the House moves with startling speed on matters of political friction, a deafening silence hangs over the mountains of allegations currently eroding the state’s treasury,” he said.

“We ask the honourable House: where is the fire for accountability in these dark corners?”

He cited several issues he said require legislative scrutiny, including an alleged ₦6.5 billion linked to the Government House, an interim forfeiture of ₦1.1 billion reportedly traced to Bureau De Change transactions in Abuja, and allegations surrounding ₦1.02 billion involving the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC.

Mr Yusuf also referred to claims by a former anti-corruption agency official that about ₦500 million was allegedly sent to him by 44 local governments for court-related matters.

The group further raised concerns over alleged diversion of funds meant for Ramadan feeding programmes and questioned the alleged sponsorship of thousands of political allies to the holy city of Mecca for pilgrimage.

According to the group, such issues deserve urgent attention, especially at a time when residents of Kano State are grappling with water scarcity, insecurity, hunger and poverty.

“I must say that 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,” Mr Yusuf said.

He also accused the lawmakers of politicising the impeachment process, alleging that some members were prioritising their political interests over the welfare of the public.

The group urged the assembly to remember that its mandate comes from the people and not from political parties or the Government House.

“Any deviation from the mandatory path of the Constitution sets a treacherous precedent. If you burn the law to roast your political enemies today, you will find no shelter under its roof when the wind changes tomorrow,” he said.

Mr Yusuf added that the organisation would continue to monitor developments in the state and called on other civil society groups and residents to defend constitutional governance.

“The MGGSD remains vigilant. We will not watch in silence as the pillars of justice are traded for political chips. We call on all civil societies and the good people of Kano to stand firm. Let the Constitution be our only compass,” he added.