By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Kano State House of Assembly on Tuesday suspended the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas for three months in Kano State over alleged financial misappropriation, abuse of office and misconduct. The House took the decision during plenary presided over by Speaker Ismail Falgore after adopting the report of the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Lawmakers said the suspension would allow a full investigation into the allegations.
Assembly Adopts Committee Report
The resolution followed the presentation of the committee’s report by its Chairman, Aliyu Muhammad.
Muhammad explained that the committee investigated separate petitions against the three council chairmen after the Assembly referred the complaints for legislative scrutiny.
He said the committee reviewed documentary evidence from the affected councils. It also held interactive sessions with their legislative councils before reaching its findings.
Allegations Against the Council Chairmen
According to the committee, Bagwai Local Government recorded alleged cases of misappropriation of public funds meant for development projects.
In Bebeji Local Government, investigators uncovered alleged abuse of office and repeated violations of due process in contract awards.
The report also alleged the improper sale of council land, diversion of public funds and unlawful deductions from contractors’ payments.
Furthermore, the committee claimed contractors were directed to pay contract funds into accounts allegedly nominated by the council chairman. It said the practice violated existing financial and procurement regulations.
In Rogo Local Government, the committee accused the chairman of undermining government policies and breaching administrative procedures.
The report also alleged misappropriation of funds allocated for feeder road construction and electrification projects in Unguwar Dawa and Hausawa Fulani communities.
Lawmakers Back Suspension Pending Investigation
Muhammad recommended the immediate suspension of the three chairmen pending the outcome of a full investigation.
He cited the Assembly’s oversight powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
During the debate, the Chief Whip, Mudassir Ibrahim, said public officials facing financial misconduct allegations should undergo proper investigations.
He stressed that accountability and good governance require transparent scrutiny of public office holders.
Speaker Orders Vice Chairmen to Take Over
Following a unanimous voice vote, the House adopted the committee’s recommendations.
Speaker Ismail Falgore announced the suspension of the affected chairmen for three months.
The suspended chairmen are:
- Bello Abdullahi Gadanya – Bagwai Local Government
- Alhassan Salisu – Bebeji Local Government
- Abubakar Mustapha – Rogo Local Government
The Speaker directed the vice chairmen of the three councils to assume office in acting capacities pending the investigation.
He also instructed the committee to conclude its investigation and submit its report within 10 weeks.
Additionally, Falgore directed the Clerk of the Assembly to communicate the resolution immediately to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
