The Kano State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas for three months over allegations of financial misappropriation, abuse of office and other acts of misconduct.
The decision was reached during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers unanimously adopted the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The session was presided over by Speaker Ismail Falgore, following the presentation of the committee’s findings by its chairman, Aliyu Muhammad.
According to Muhammad, the committee investigated separate petitions filed against the three council chairmen after the Assembly referred the complaints for legislative scrutiny.
He explained that the committee reviewed documentary evidence obtained from the affected local government councils and held interactive sessions with their legislative councils before reaching its conclusions.
The committee’s report alleged that the Bagwai Local Government chairman was involved in the misappropriation of public funds allocated for developmental projects.
In Bebeji Local Government Area, lawmakers said they uncovered credible 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 contractors’ payments and other procurement irregularities.
The report further alleged that contractors were compelled to remit contract payments into accounts allegedly designated by the council chairman, contrary to existing financial regulations and procurement laws.
For Rogo Local Government Area, the committee accused the chairman of undermining government policies, violating administrative procedures, abusing his office and misappropriating funds intended for feeder road construction and rural 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 completion of a comprehensive investigation, citing the Assembly’s oversight powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
During deliberations, the House Chief Whip, Mudassir Ibrahim, stressed the importance of allowing a thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving public officials in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance.
Following a unanimous voice vote, the Assembly adopted the committee’s recommendations.
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Announcing the decision, Speaker Falgore directed the vice chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo local government councils to immediately assume office in acting capacities pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Speaker also instructed the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to conclude its investigation and submit a comprehensive report to the House within 10 weeks.
In addition, the Clerk of the Assembly was directed to formally communicate the House’s resolution to the Kano State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for necessary action.
The investigation is expected to determine the validity of the allegations and guide any further legislative or administrative measures regarding the affected local government officials.
