By Uzair Adam
The Kano State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas for three months over allegations bordering on financial misappropriation, abuse of office and other acts of misconduct.
The decision followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore.
Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Aliyu Muhammad, said the panel investigated separate petitions submitted against the three council chairmen after the Assembly referred the complaints for legislative scrutiny.
Muhammad explained that the committee reviewed documentary evidence obtained from the affected local governments and held interactive sessions with members of their legislative councils before reaching its conclusions.
According to the committee, its findings revealed alleged misappropriation of public funds earmarked for developmental projects in Bagwai Local Government Area.
In Bebeji, the committee said it uncovered allegations of abuse of office, repeated violations of due process in the award and execution of contracts, improper sale of council land, diversion of public funds, unlawful deductions from contract payments and other procurement irregularities.
The report further alleged that contractors were compelled to pay contract funds into bank accounts allegedly nominated by the council chairman, contrary to existing financial and procurement regulations.
For Rogo Local Government, the committee accused the chairman of undermining government policies, violating administrative procedures, abusing his office and misappropriating funds allocated for feeder road construction and electrification projects in Unguwar Dawa and Hausawa Fulani communities.
Based on its findings, the committee recommended the immediate 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).
Contributing to the debate, the Chief Whip, Mudassir Ibrahim, said public officials facing allegations of financial misconduct should be thoroughly investigated in the interest of accountability and good governance.
The House unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations through a voice vote.
Announcing the resolution, Speaker Falgore suspended the three local government chairmen for three months and directed the vice chairmen of the affected councils to assume office in acting capacities pending the outcome of the investigation.
He also instructed the committee to conclude its investigation and submit its report within 10 weeks, while directing the Clerk of the Assembly to communicate the House’s 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 Local Government Areas.
