Why We Suspended 3 LG Chairmen – Kano Assembly

Kano State House of Assembly has given reasons for the suspension of the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo local government areas for three months.

The lawmakers said they were involved in financial misappropriation, abuse of office, contract irregularities and breach of public trust.

The removal of the chairmen followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs presented by its chairman, Hon. Aliyu Muhammad, during yesterday’s plenary presided over by the speaker, Rt. Hon.Ismail Falgore.

In the report, Muhammad said the committee investigated separate petitions against the three council bosses after the Assembly referred the complaints to it for legislative scrutiny.

He said the panel reviewed documents obtained from the affected councils and held interactive sessions with their legislative councils before arriving at its findings.
According to the committee, the Bagwai LG chairman allegedly misappropriated public funds meant for developmental projects.

In Bebeji, the committee said it uncovered alleged abuse of office, persistent violations of due process in contract awards, improper sale of council land, diversion of public funds, unlawful deductions from contractors’ payments and other procurement irregularities.

It also alleged that contractors were directed to pay contract funds into accounts allegedly nominated by the council chairman, contrary to extant financial regulations.

For Rogo council, the committee accused the chairman of undermining government policies, violating administrative procedures and misappropriating funds allocated for feeder road and electrification projects in Unguwar Dawa and Hausawa Fulani communities.

Muhammad recommended the suspension of the three chairmen pending the conclusion of a full investigation, citing the Assembly’s oversight powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

During deliberations, the Chief Whip, Mudassir Ibrahim, said public office holders facing allegations of financial misconduct should be thoroughly investigated to promote transparency and accountability.

The House unanimously adopted the recommendations through a voice vote. Announcing the resolution, Falgore directed the vice chairmen of the affected councils to assume office in acting capacities during the three-month suspension.

He also directed the committee to conclude its investigation and submit its report within 10 weeks, while instructing the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolution to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The suspended chairmen are Bello Abdullahi Gadanya of Bagwai, Alhassan Salisu of Bebeji and Abubakar Mustapha of Rogo.