Tension in Kano as Deputy Governor Shuns Council Meeting Amid Impeachment Plot

Tension has continued to build in Kano following the absence of Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo from the 38th Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, amid an ongoing impeachment move against him.

The meeting, presided over by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, took place at the Council Chamber with members of the State Executive Council in attendance. However, the deputy governor did not appear at the session, raising further concerns about the deepening political crisis within the state government.

Addressing cabinet members during the meeting, the governor issued a strong warning against acts of disloyalty and internal rivalry within the administration.

He also cautioned officials against leaking confidential government information, stressing that such conduct would no longer be tolerated.

Yusuf told members of the council that unity and commitment to the administration’s objectives must remain a priority, particularly at a time of political tension in the state.

Meanwhile, the absence of the deputy governor comes as the Kano State House of Assembly continues impeachment proceedings against him. The lawmaker accused Gwarzo of diverting funds meant for Local Government Areas and other alleged misconduct.

The deputy governor has already been issued a formal letter by the Assembly asking him to respond to the allegations levelled against him.

Sources within the Government House said Gwarzo did not provide any official explanation for failing to attend the council meeting.

Governor Yusuf explained during the meeting that his decision, along with some key political stakeholders, to align with the All Progressives Congress was taken in the interest of Kano’s development and to strengthen collaboration with the Federal Government.

The governor also confirmed that five commissioners had resigned their positions following the political shift. According to him, four of the officials stepped down after refusing to join the move to the APC.

The affected ministries include Humanitarian Affairs, Youth and Sports, as well as Internal Security and Special Duties. Yusuf accepted their resignations and wished them success in their future endeavours.

In another development, the governor approved the removal of the state Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa. He subsequently appointed Bilkisu Shehu Maimota as Acting Head of Service, urging her to promote discipline, professionalism and unity within the state civil service.

During the same council meeting, Yusuf also pledged the full support of his administration to the newly elected chairman of the APC in Kano, Umar Haruna Doguwa.

Doguwa, a former commissioner for Water Resources, visited the council chamber during the meeting for a farewell interaction with members of the state executive council.

Governor Yusuf described his exit from the council as emotional, noting that Doguwa had made significant contributions to governance in the state, especially in the education sector.

According to the governor, his efforts helped shape policies that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in education in Kano.

Responding, Doguwa assured the governor and members of the council that the party leadership would remain committed to supporting the administration.

He said, “decamping to APC is the best decision and we will do everything possible for the reelection bid of the Governor, come 2027 general election.”

Other members of the cabinet, including the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, the Commissioner for Education, Haruna Ali Makoda, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, also praised Doguwa for what they described as his integrity and commitment to public service.