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 followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during plenary on Tuesday. The report was presented by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, on behalf of the committee chairman.
Dala said the investigation was initiated following separate petitions submitted against the three council chairmen. The petitions were filed by the Legislative Councils of Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas, as well as concerned citizens of Bagwai Local Government Area.
According to him, the petitions alleged financial misappropriation, abuse of office, breach of public trust and other administrative irregularities.
The committee said it examined relevant documents, reviewed records obtained from the affected local government councils and held interactive sessions with members of the respective legislative councils before reaching its conclusions.
For Bagwai Local Government Area, the committee said it found evidence indicating the alleged misappropriation of public funds meant for developmental projects.
In Bebeji Local Government Area, the committee reported 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.
It 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.
On Rogo Local Government Area, the committee accused the Executive Chairman of undermining government policies and programmes, failing to comply with laws governing local government administration, and allegedly 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.
The recommendation was made pursuant to Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower state Houses of Assembly to conduct investigations and exercise oversight over public institutions.
The Assembly 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.
Lawmakers said the suspension is intended to ensure a thorough investigation into the allegations while protecting public resources and strengthening accountability in local government administration.
