Kano Assembly Extends Suspension of Three LG Chairmen

The Kano State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of three local government chairmen by another three months to enable its committee to conclude investigations into allegations of financial misconduct against them.

The affected chairmen are Bello Abdullahi Gadanya of Bagwai, Alhassan Salisu of Bebeji and Abubakar Mustapha of Rogo.

The extension followed a request by the Majority Leader of the House during Monday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore.

The Majority Leader, who presented the position of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the absence of its chairman and deputy chairman, said the committee’s investigation was yet to be completed.

He explained that the panel needed additional time to conclude its assignment and submit its findings to the House.

Citing Section 55 (1-6) of the Kano State Local Government Law, 2006, he said the provision empowered the Assembly to investigate petitions against local government chairmen and extend their suspension by another three months where investigations could not be concluded within the initial period.

He noted that the existing suspension would expire on Wednesday, November 4, adding that the affected chairmen would have to resume office if the House failed to extend the suspension.

Responding, Falgore announced an additional three-month extension, urging the committee to complete its investigation and present its report within the period for the House to take further action.

The Assembly had initially suspended the three chairmen for three months following the adoption of a committee report which accused them of financial misappropriation, abuse of office, contract irregularities and breach of public trust.

The earlier report alleged that the Bagwai chairman misappropriated funds meant for development projects, while his Bebeji counterpart was accused of procurement violations, improper sale of council land and diversion of public funds.

The Rogo chairman was also accused of misappropriating funds allocated for feeder road and electrification projects.