By Salisu Baso
The Kano State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen of three local government councils with immediate effect.
Those affected are Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha Rogo of Rogo Local Government, Dr. Alhassan Salisu of Bebeji Local Government, and Alhaji Bello Gadanya of Bagwai Local Government.
The decision followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Presenting the committee’s report, the Majority Leader, Hon. Lawan Hussain Dala, speaking on behalf of the committee chairman, said the Assembly received separate petitions from residents and stakeholders in the affected local government areas.
According to him, the petitions alleged financial misappropriation, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and other administrative irregularities against the three council chairmen.
He explained that the committee examined relevant documents, reviewed financial and administrative records obtained from the affected local government councils, and held interactive sessions with officials and other stakeholders before arriving at its recommendations.
The committee based its recommendation on Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empower state Houses of Assembly to conduct investigations and exercise oversight functions.
Following the adoption of the report, the Assembly directed that its resolution be communicated to the Kano State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for immediate implementation.
The House also directed the vice chairmen of the affected local government councils to immediately assume leadership and oversee the administration of their respective councils pending the outcome of the Assembly’s final resolution on the matter.