The Kano State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas for three months over allegations of misconduct, financial misappropriation, abuse of office and breach of public trust.
The decision was reached on Tuesday following the adoption of a report presented by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs after investigating separate petitions against the three council chairmen.
Presenting the committee’s report, its Chairman, Hon. Ali Muhammad Bebeji, said the petitions were submitted by various groups, including the Legislative Councils of Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas, as well as concerned residents of Bagwai Local Government Area.
According to him, the committee conducted a comprehensive investigation by reviewing relevant documents from the affected local governments and holding interactive sessions with members of their legislative councils.
The committee found that the chairman of Bagwai Local Government was alleged to have misappropriated public funds earmarked for developmental projects.
In Bebeji Local Government, the committee said it uncovered credible allegations of abuse of office, persistent violations of due process in the award and execution of contracts, and the improper sale of local government land.
It further alleged that contractors were compelled to transfer contract payments into bank accounts nominated by the executive chairman, contrary to established financial and procurement regulations.
“The committee also received allegations of financial impropriety, including the diversion of public funds, unlawful deductions from contract sums and other procurement irregularities, all of which require appropriate legislative action and further investigation,” the committee stated.
Regarding Rogo Local Government, the committee said the executive chairman was accused by members of the Legislative Council of undermining government policies and programmes designed to improve the welfare of residents.
It also alleged that the chairman failed to comply with existing laws, procedures and administrative guidelines governing local government administration in Kano State.
The committee further claimed that the Rogo chairman misappropriated public funds allocated for the construction of feeder roads and electrification projects in the Ngor Dawa, Hausawa and Fulatan communities.
Based on its findings, the committee recommended the immediate suspension of the three chairmen pending the conclusion of a full investigation.
“Under the investigative and oversight powers conferred on the Kano State House of Assembly by Sections 128 and 129 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the committee recommends the suspension of the Executive Chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Councils from office with immediate effect for a period of three months pending the conclusion of a full investigation,” the report stated.
The committee urged the House to adopt its recommendations, which were subsequently approved by lawmakers.
Following the resolution, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate the Assembly’s decision to the Kano State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for immediate implementation.
