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.
According to a report by Punch, the suspension followed the adoption of a report submitted by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs after investigating separate petitions against the three council chairmen.
The committee said it reviewed relevant documents from the affected local governments and held interactive sessions with members of the respective legislative councils before arriving at its findings.
For Bagwai Local Government, the committee alleged that the chairman misappropriated public funds earmarked for developmental projects.
In Bebeji Local Government, the committee reported credible allegations of abuse of office, violations of due process in contract awards and execution, improper sale of council land and financial irregularities. It also alleged that contractors were compelled to transfer contract payments into bank accounts nominated by the chairman, contrary to procurement and financial regulations.
The committee further accused the Rogo Local Government chairman of undermining government policies, failing to comply with administrative guidelines and misappropriating funds allocated for feeder road construction and electrification projects in Ngor Dawa, Hausawa and Fulatan communities.
Citing its investigative and oversight powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the committee recommended the immediate suspension of the three chairmen pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation.
The Assembly unanimously adopted the report and approved the recommendation, after which the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolution to the Kano State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for implementation.
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