Kogi Assembly suspends Okene council boss

Kogi State House of Assembly has suspended the chairman of Okene Council, Abdulrazak Muhammed.

The suspension followed a report from the Department of State Services (DSS) alleging Muhammed used his position as chairman to unduly arrest, intimidate and torture persons who were against his Oziogu clan.

The Speaker, Prince Matthew Kolawole, who read the report, said the chairman would remain suspended until the DSS completes its investigation.

Kolawole directed the vice-chairman to immediately take over the affairs of the council. He also directed the House Committee on Local Government to carry out an independent investigation and report back to the Assembly.

The House of Assembly had, in August, similarly suspended the chairman of Kogi Council, Abdulkareem Isah Sanni, following an alleged criminal offence while in office.

Sanni’s suspension was sequel to a resolution by members of the House after Kolawole read a letter from Governor Bello indicting the council boss of alleged criminal activities.

Kolawole had ruled that the suspension would last until the outcome of an investigation by the DSS.

The Speaker had also directed the vice-chairman, Hasana Jezhi, to step in as acting chairman.