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 and procurement irregularities.
The lawmakers approved the suspension on Tuesday after adopting the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during plenary presided over by Speaker Ismail Falgore.
Chairman of the committee, Aliyu Muhammad, said the panel investigated petitions against the three council chairmen, reviewed documentary evidence from the councils and held sessions with their legislative arms before reaching its conclusions.
According to the committee, the Bagwai council was linked to the alleged diversion of public funds earmarked for development projects.
In Bebeji, the panel alleged abuse of office, repeated violations of due process in contract awards, unlawful sale of council land, diversion of public funds, illegal deductions from contractors’ payments and other procurement breaches. It further claimed that contractors were compelled to pay contract proceeds into accounts allegedly nominated by the council chairman, contrary to financial regulations.
The committee also accused the Rogo Local Government chairman of undermining government policies, violating administrative procedures and allegedly misappropriating funds meant for feeder road and rural electrification projects in Unguwar Dawa and Hausawa Fulani communities.
Relying on the Assembly’s 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 completion of investigations.
Supporting the recommendation, Chief Whip Mudassir Ibrahim argued that public officials accused of financial misconduct should face thorough investigations to strengthen accountability and transparency.
The recommendation was unanimously adopted through a voice vote.
Announcing the resolution, Speaker Falgore directed the vice chairmen of the affected councils to assume office in acting capacities pending the outcome of the probe. He also ordered the committee to conclude its investigation and submit its report within 10 weeks, while directing the Clerk of the Assembly to formally notify the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The suspended chairmen are Bello Abdullahi Gadanya, Alhassan Salisu and Abubakar Mustapha.