Two Zamfara LG Chairmen Suspended Over Alleged Financial Misconduct

The Zamfara State House of Assembly has suspended two local government council chairmen over alleged financial misappropriation, in what was described as a move to strengthen accountability and transparency in the state.

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The affected officials are Mannir Mu’azu Haidara of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area and Umar A. Faru of Bukkuyum LGA.

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, Naija News reports.

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 extended by the committee to clarify the expenditure of funds allocated to their respective councils.

“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 viewed as a serious breach of legislative procedure and oversight responsibilities.

The Assembly said the suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the financial activities of the state’s 14 local government councils for the 2025 fiscal year.

The affected chairmen have also been directed to hand over to their respective vice chairmen without delay.

Kurya further stated that the disciplinary action was based on findings bordering on “disrespect to the legislative institution,” as well as concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

He added that the Assembly has transmitted its resolutions to the executive arm of government for implementation, reaffirming its commitment to prudent resource management and good governance in Zamfara State.