The Zamfara State House of Assembly has suspended two local government council chairmen over alleged financial misappropriation. The action was described as a step to strengthen accountability and transparency in the state.
The affected officials are Mannir Mu’azu Haidara of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area and Umar A. Faru of Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
Their suspension followed the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during plenary on Wednesday.
The report was presented by the Deputy Speaker, Adamu Aliyu Gumm, who also serves as the committee’s vice chairman.
According to the House spokesperson, Bello Kurya, the lawmakers unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations after deliberations presided over by the Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki.
Kurya explained that the suspension was due to the chairmen’s failure to honour invitations sent by the committee to explain how funds allocated to their councils were spent.
“The invitations were issued to enable them to provide explanations regarding the expenditure of funds,” Kurya said.
He added that their refusal to appear before the committee was seen as a serious violation of legislative procedures and oversight responsibilities.
The Assembly said the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place until the investigation into the financial activities of the state’s 14 local government councils for the 2025 fiscal year is completed.
The suspended chairmen have also been directed to hand over to their respective vice chairmen immediately.
Kurya also said the disciplinary action followed findings related to “disrespect to the legislative institution,” as well as concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
He added that the Assembly has forwarded its resolutions to the executive arm of government for implementation, reaffirming its commitment to responsible management of public resources and good governance in Zamfara State.
