Dare Babalola
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has suspended two local government council chairmen as part of an ongoing investigation into the management of public funds across the state’s councils.
The decision, announced in a statement by the House spokesperson, Bello Madaro Kurya, followed deliberations on a report presented during plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Adamu Aliyu Gumm, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Those affected are Mannir Mu’azu Haidara of Kaura Namoda Local Government Council and Umar A. Faru of Bukkuyum Local Government Council.
According to Kurya, the suspensions stemmed from the officials’ failure to cooperate with the legislative probe into the financial activities of the 14 local government councils for the 2025 fiscal year.
“The Committee recommended the suspension of two Executive Chairmen, Hon. Mannir Mu’azu Haidara of Kaura Namoda Local Government Council and Hon. Umar A. Faru of Bukkuyum Local Government Council, for their deliberate refusal to honour invitations extended to them by the committee,” he said.
He added that the invitations were aimed at clarifying issues surrounding fund utilisation. “The invitations were issued to enable them to provide explanations regarding the expenditure of funds allocated to their respective councils,” Kurya stated.
The House subsequently adopted the committee’s recommendations during a session presided over by Speaker Hon. Bilyaminu Moriki.
“Following deliberations presided over by the Speaker, the House unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations and approved the immediate suspension of the two Chairmen pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement read.
As part of the resolution, the affected chairmen have been directed to step aside and transfer authority to their deputies.
Kurya noted that the Assembly viewed the conduct of the suspended officials as a breach of legislative authority and a setback to accountability efforts. He stressed that the House would not tolerate actions that undermine transparency in the management of public resources.
“Furthermore, the Honourable House deliberated extensively on the report titled ‘Investigation into the Financial Activities of the 14 Local Government Councils for the Financial Year 2025’ and resolved to adopt all recommendations contained therein,” he said.
He added that the resolutions have been forwarded to the executive arm for implementation, emphasising that the move is in line with efforts to promote fiscal discipline and good governance.
“The Zamfara State House of Assembly reiterates its commitment to upholding accountability, ensuring prudent management of public resources, and safeguarding the trust reposed in public office holders by the people,” Kurya said.
