JUST IN: Jigawa assembly suspends 3 local council chairmen

November 15, 2023

The Jigawa State House of Assembly has suspended three local government council chairmen for an alleged illegal foreign trip.

Reports from the state suggest that they left the country without seeking permission from the state executive or legislative authorities, as required by the Jigawa State Local Government Law.

The suspended chairmen include Hon Mubarak Ahmed of Birniwa local government, Hon Rufai Ahmed of Gumel local government, and Hon Umar Baffa of Birniwa local government, who was reported to have travelled to Rwanda.

The House made this decision after the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Affairs, Hon Aminu Zakari Tsubut, presented a motion for the suspension of the affected council chairmen. He explained that before their travel, the House had issued an order restricting local government council chairmen in the state from traveling anywhere due to the preparations for the 2024 state appropriation bill and its presentation to the assembly by the state governor, Malam Umar Namadi.

Hon Tsubut described the chairmen’s actions as insubordination and a nonchalant attitude towards their primary responsibilities, emphasizing the need for an investigation and appropriate punishment according to the law.

Members representing Malam Madori constituency, Hon Usman Abdullahi Tura, and the Member representing Guri, Hon Hamza Guri, seconded the motion presented by Hon Tsubut. The House then unanimously approved the suspension of the three local government chairmen and directed their vice-chairmen to take over.

However, the House established a committee, chaired by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Lawan Muhammad Dansure, to investigate the matter and report back to the House within four weeks for further action.

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