Algon

Kano assembly refutes alleged plan to investigate ALGON chair

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly has refuted claims circulating online that it is planning to investigate the Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hajiya Sa’adatu Yusha’u, describing the reports as baseless and misleading.

This clarification was made in a statement issued by Kamaluddeen Shawai, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Assembly, on Thursday in Kano.

According to the statement, the reports alleged that the assembly had finalized plans to probe the ALGON Chair, who also doubles as the Chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government Area, over alleged irregularities in land allocation.

Shawai emphasized that the Majority Leader of the House, Lawal Hussain-Dala, had not granted any interview or made any comments to any media outlet regarding such an investigation.

“The receipt of a petition by the Majority Leader from citizens does not translate to an endorsement of any investigation, nor does it constitute a decision or pronouncement by the House,” the statement read.

He condemned what he described as a deliberate misrepresentation of legislative procedures, insisting the report was aimed at damaging the reputation of the Majority Leader and the legislative body.

Shawai further explained that the assembly adheres strictly to constitutional provisions and due process in all its affairs.

He noted that any investigation must follow laid-down procedures, including offering all parties a fair hearing.

He also stressed that the assembly reserves the right to receive and evaluate petitions in line with the principles of transparency and the rule of law.

The House has therefore called on those behind the report, including media outlets, to retract the publication and issue a public apology within seven days or risk legal action.

ALGON sues FG, states over delayed local government autonomy

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government and states, seeking the implementation of local government autonomy and direct funding as mandated by the Supreme Court.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demands the inclusion of local government councils in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Respondents in the case include the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Finance, Revenue Mobilization Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, and commercial banks, among others.

ALGON’s Secretary General, Mohammed Abubakar, stated the move aims to ensure direct disbursement of funds to local governments, as ordered by the Supreme Court in July 2024.

Despite the court ruling, autonomy remains unimplemented, with the CBN requiring councils to submit two years of audited financial reports before receiving direct allocations.

ALGON is now seeking court orders to prevent unauthorized disbursements and ensure local governments’ representation in FAAC and other fund allocation processes.