The Kano State House of Assembly has passed resolution suspending three council Chairmen for alleged financial misconduct.

 

Those suspended are 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 suspension according to the legislature would last for three Months.

 

The suspension came during Tuesday’s plenary following the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, presented by the Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala.

 

Prior to the unanimous adoption of the report, the Majority leader Lawan had revealed that investigation prompted by separate petitions submitted against the council chairmen.

 

The leader disclosed that the petitions, filed by the Legislative Councils of Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas, as well as concerned citizens of Bagwai Local Government Area, alleged financial misappropriation, abuse of office, breach of public trust and other administrative irregularities.

 

According to him, the committee embarked on legislative action with review of relevant documents, examined records obtained from the affected local government councils and held interactive sessions with members of the respective legislative councils before arriving at its findings.

 

For Bagwai Local Government, the committee said it observed evidence suggesting misappropriation of public funds meant for developmental projects.

 

In the case of Bebeji Local Government, the committee reported credible allegations of abuse of office, persistent violations of due process in the award and execution of contracts, improper sale of local government land, diversion of public funds, unlawful deductions from contract payments and other procurement irregularities.

 

The committee also 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.

 

Regarding Rogo Local Government, the leader said the Executive Chairman was accused of undermining government policies and programmes, failing to comply with established laws and administrative procedures governing local government administration, and misappropriating funds earmarked for feeder road construction and rural electrification projects.

 

“Based on our findings, the committee recommended the immediate suspension of the three Executive Chairmen for a period of three months to allow for a comprehensive investigation.

 

“The recommendation was made pursuant to Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empower the State House of Assembly to conduct investigations and exercise oversight over public institutions”. Lawan said.

 

The House subsequently adopted the committee’s report 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 intended to facilitate a thorough investigation into the allegations while safeguarding public resources and promoting accountability in local government administration.