Authorities of the Kebbi State Government dismissed three District Heads from three Local Government Areas in the state on Thursday, citing gross misconduct, insubordination, absconding, fraud, and partisanship.
The Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission in the state, Alhaji Mansur Shehu, announced the decision at a press conference in his office in Birnin Kebbi, stating that the action was in accordance with the Public Service Rules (PSR).
The deposed district heads are Allhaji Lawal Yakubu, Mai Arewan Yeldu in Arewa Local Government Area; Malam Ahmed Sani, Sarkin Gabas Geza in Dandi LGA; and Alhaji Tukur Aliyu, Jagwadejin Bakuwe from Suru LGA, all in Gwandu Emirate.
Alhaji Shehu explained that the dismissal became necessary due to formal complaints lodged by the management of the three local government councils with the commission. This prompted a thorough investigation in line with the PSR.
“The commission is responsible, among other things, for taking disciplinary action against unified local government staff from grade level seven and above, including district heads, in accordance with the provision of section 163 (1) of the Kebbi State Local Government Law 2008.”
Upon receiving the complaints, the commission suspended the district heads to facilitate further investigation. Three committees, each headed by a Permanent Commissioner overseeing the respective areas, were constituted.
These committees interacted with both the local government management and the accused district heads. After a comprehensive investigation, the committees found merit in the submissions made by the local government councils.
To ensure credibility, the commission referred the matter to the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of the state for legal opinion and advice.
After considering all aspects, a full meeting of the commission was convened on Dec. 19, 2023, followed by a review meeting on Jan. 4, 2024, in line with the laws of Kebbi State (chapter 87 of 1996), as amended in the local government laws of 2008.
The commission, after necessary investigations and consultations, found the district heads liable for dismissal from local government service, citing violations of Public Service Rule (PSR) 030302 for gross misconduct, PSR 030301 for movement without permission, and PSR 030302 & 030407 for dismissal.
and then