Tension is rising in Kano following the absence of Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo from the 38th Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, as impeachment moves against him intensify.
The meeting, chaired by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, took place in the Council Chamber with members of the State Executive Council present. However, the deputy governor’s absence heightened concerns about the growing political crisis within the state government.
Speaking during the session, the governor warned cabinet members against disloyalty and internal rivalry within the administration. He also cautioned officials against leaking confidential government information, stressing that such actions would no longer be tolerated.
Yusuf urged council members to remain united and committed to the administration’s goals, especially at a time of heightened political tension in the state.
Meanwhile, the deputy governor’s absence comes as the Kano State House of Assembly continues impeachment proceedings against him. Lawmakers have accused Gwarzo of diverting funds meant for Local Government Areas, along with other alleged misconduct.
The Assembly has already issued a formal letter asking the deputy governor to respond to the allegations. Sources within the Government House said Gwarzo did not provide any official reason for missing the council meeting.
During the meeting, Governor Yusuf explained that his decision, along with some key political stakeholders, to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) was aimed at advancing Kano’s development and strengthening cooperation with the Federal Government.
He also revealed that five commissioners had resigned following the political realignment. According to him, four of them stepped down after declining 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 well in their future pursuits.
In a related 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 in the civil service.
During the same council meeting, Yusuf also pledged his administration’s full support to the newly elected APC chairman in Kano, Umar Haruna Doguwa.
Doguwa, a former Commissioner for Water Resources, visited the council chamber during the meeting to bid farewell to members of the state executive council.
Governor Yusuf described Doguwa’s exit from the council as emotional, noting that he made notable contributions to governance in the state, particularly in the education sector.
According to the governor, Doguwa played a key role in shaping policies that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in education in Kano.
Responding, Doguwa assured the governor and council members 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 to ensure the governor’s reelection in the 2027 general election.”
Other cabinet members, 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 commended Doguwa for his integrity and dedication to public service.
