LG chairmen suspended
The Kano State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas for three months following allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office and other administrative violations.
The lawmakers approved the suspension on Tuesday after considering the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which investigated petitions submitted against the three council officials.
The committee chairman, Aliyu Muhammad, presented the findings during plenary presided over by Speaker Ismail Falgore.
He said the investigation involved a review of documents from the affected local governments and meetings with members of the councils’ legislative arms.
According to the committee’s report, the Bagwai council chairman, Bello Abdullahi Gadanya, was accused of mismanaging public funds meant for development projects within the local government area.
The committee also accused the Bebeji chairman, Alhassan Salisu, of alleged abuse of office, failure to follow due process in contract awards, improper disposal of council property, diversion of funds and other procurement-related issues.
The report stated that some contractors were allegedly directed to pay contract funds into accounts linked to the council chairman, a move the committee said was against existing financial regulations.
For Rogo Local Government, the committee alleged that chairman Abubakar Mustapha violated administrative procedures, acted against government policies and misused funds allocated for rural road construction and electricity projects in Unguwar Dawa and Hausawa Fulani communities.
The lawmakers said the suspension was necessary to allow a detailed investigation into the allegations against the three chairmen. The decision was based on the Assembly’s oversight powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
During the debate, the Chief Whip of the House, Mudassir Ibrahim, said public officers accused of financial wrongdoing should be properly investigated to promote accountability in government.
The suspension was approved through a unanimous voice vote by the lawmakers. Speaker Falgore subsequently ordered the vice chairmen of the three local governments to assume leadership roles in acting capacities until the investigation is completed.
The Assembly committee was given 10 weeks to conclude its investigation and submit its report.
The Clerk of the House was also directed to communicate the decision to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
