The Kano State House of Assembly has suspended three Local Government Chairmen for three months over allegations of financial misappropriation, abuse of office and other acts of misconduct.
The affected council chairmen are: Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Gadanya of Bagwai Local Government Area, Dr. Alhassan Salisu of Bebeji Local Council and Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha of Rogo Local Council.
The decision followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during plenary.
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The report was presented by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, on behalf of the committee chairman.
Dala explained that the investigation was initiated following separate petitions submitted against the three council chairmen by the Legislative Councils of Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas, as well as concerned citizens of Bagwai.
According to the committee, the petitions alleged financial misappropriation, abuse of office, breach of public trust and other administrative irregularities.
The committee said it examined relevant documents, reviewed official records from the affected councils and held interactive sessions with members of the respective legislative councils before reaching its conclusions.
He said the committee’s findings indicated that the Bagwai Local Government Chairman allegedly misappropriated public funds meant for developmental projects.
For Bebeji Local Government, the committee cited allegations of abuse of office, repeated violations of due process in contract awards and execution, improper sale of council land, diversion of public funds, unlawful deductions from contract payments and other procurement irregularities.
The report further alleged that some contractors were compelled to transfer contract payments into accounts allegedly nominated by the Executive Chairman, contrary to established financial and procurement regulations.
In Rogo Local Government, the committee accused the chairman of undermining government policies, failing to comply with established administrative procedures and misappropriating funds earmarked for feeder road construction and rural electrification projects.
Based on its findings, the committee recommended the immediate suspension of the three chairmen for three months to allow for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
The recommendation was made pursuant to Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empower state legislatures to conduct investigations and exercise oversight over public institutions.
The House unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations and directed the Clerk of the House to communicate its resolution to the Kano State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for immediate implementation.
The Assembly said the suspension is aimed at ensuring an unhindered investigation while safeguarding public funds and reinforcing accountability and transparency in local government administration.
