The Zamfara State House of Assembly has wielded the big stick against two local government chairmen, suspending them over alleged financial misconduct and defiance of legislative oversight.
The affected officials are Mannir Mu’azu Haidara of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area and Umar A. Faru of Bukkuyum LGA.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the Assembly’s spokesman, Bello Kurya, who described the action as part of ongoing efforts to enforce accountability and transparency in the management of public resources at the council level.
Kurya stated that the decision followed deliberations on a report submitted by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, which was presented at plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Adamu Aliyu Gumm.
He noted that the committee recommended the suspension after the chairmen allegedly ignored multiple summons to appear before lawmakers and explain how funds allocated to their councils were utilised.
According to him, the Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki, unanimously endorsed the panel’s recommendations and ordered the immediate suspension of the two officials pending the conclusion of investigations.
The lawmakers also directed the embattled chairmen to relinquish control to their respective vice chairmen without delay.
Kurya said the Assembly viewed the officials’ conduct as a breach of legislative authority and a sign of weak accountability practices.
He added that the action was part of a broader review of the financial dealings of all 14 local government councils in the state for the 2025 fiscal year, with resolutions already forwarded to the executive arm for enforcement.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the suspended chairmen were unsuccessful as they could not be reached on their telephones.
