Zamfara Assembly Suspends Two Local Govt Chairmen Over Alleged Misuse of Funds
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has suspended two local government chairmen over alleged misuse of public funds, in what lawmakers described as a firm move to enforce accountability across the state.
The decision affects Mannir Mu’azu Haidara of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area and Umar A. Faru of Bukkuyum LGA.
Politics Nigeria reports that their suspension was announced during plenary on Wednesday after deliberations by the House.
The action followed the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The report was delivered by the Deputy Speaker, Adamu Aliyu Gumm, who also serves as the committee’s vice chairman.
Lawmakers moved swiftly after the report was laid before the House. The recommendation for suspension was adopted without opposition during the session presided over by the Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki.
Speaking on the development, the House spokesperson, Bello Kurya, said the affected chairmen failed to honour multiple invitations issued by the committee. He explained that the invitations were meant to allow them clarify how funds allocated to their councils were spent.
“The invitations were issued to enable them to provide explanations regarding the expenditure of funds,” he said.
Kurya added that their refusal to appear before the lawmakers was treated as a serious violation. He described the action as a clear sign of disregard for the authority of the Assembly.
The suspension takes immediate effect. It will remain in place pending the outcome of an ongoing probe into the financial activities of all 14 local government councils in the state for the 2025 fiscal year.
As part of the directive, the Assembly ordered the affected chairmen to hand over leadership to their respective vice chairmen without delay. This, according to lawmakers, is to ensure that governance at the local level is not disrupted.
The spokesperson stressed that the disciplinary measure was based on findings pointing to “disrespect to the legislative institution” as well as concerns over transparency in the handling of public funds.
He also disclosed that the Assembly has forwarded its resolutions to the executive arm of government for immediate implementation. He reiterated the lawmakers’ commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and prudent management of public resources in Zamfara State.
