Kano Assembly Suspends Three LG Chairmen Over Misconduct Allegations
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kano State House of Assembly suspended the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji, and Rogo local government areas for three months.
- The suspension follows allegations of misconduct, financial misappropriation, abuse of office, and breach of public trust, based on a committee's investigation.
- The committee's report detailed specific financial improprieties and administrative failures in each of the suspended local governments.
Kano State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji, and Rogo local government areas for three months. The decision stems from allegations of misconduct, financial misappropriation, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The suspension was enacted after the House adopted a report from its Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. This committee investigated separate petitions filed against the three council chairmen by various groups, including legislative councils and concerned citizens.
Investigations revealed significant issues. The Bagwai chairman allegedly misappropriated public funds intended for development projects. In Bebeji, credible allegations included abuse of office, procedural violations in contract awards, and improper land sales. Contractors reportedly faced pressure to transfer payments to accounts nominated by the executive chairman, contrary to regulations.
For Rogo Local Government, the executive chairman is accused by the Legislative Council of undermining government policies and failing to comply with established laws. The chairman is also implicated in the alleged misappropriation of funds for feeder road and electrification projects in specific communities. The committee recommended the immediate suspension of all three chairmen, citing constitutional powers for investigation and oversight.
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.
Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.