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, misconduct and breach of public trust.
The decision was reached on Tuesday after lawmakers adopted the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which investigated separate petitions against the three council chairmen.
Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Hon. Ali Muhammad Bebeji, said the petitions were submitted by the legislative councils of Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas, as well as concerned residents of Bagwai.
According to him, the committee examined relevant documents and held interactive sessions with members of the affected legislative councils before arriving at its findings.
The committee alleged that the Bagwai chairman misappropriated public funds meant for development projects.
For Bebeji, it cited allegations of abuse of office, violations of due process in contract awards, the improper sale of council land, and financial irregularities.
“The committee also received allegations that contractors were forced to transfer contract payments into bank accounts nominated by the Executive Chairman, contrary to established financial and procurement regulations. We further observed allegations of financial impropriety, including the diversion of public funds, unlawful deductions from contract sums and other procurement irregularities,” the report stated.
The Rogo chairman was accused of undermining government policies, failing to comply with administrative procedures and misappropriating funds earmarked for feeder roads and electrification projects in Ngor Dawa, Hausawa and Fulatan communities.
Based on its findings, the committee recommended the immediate suspension of the three council chairmen pending the completion 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 1999 Constitution, 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,” it said.
The Assembly adopted 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 immediate implementation.
