Zamfara Assembly Takes Bold Action: Two LG Chairmen Face Suspension for Alleged Misappropriation

The Zamfara State House of Assembly has halted the activities of two local government council leaders due to alleged financial misconduct, in a decision it termed a measure to enhance accountability in the state.

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

Their suspension occurred following the submission of a report by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the plenary session on Wednesday.

The report was presented by the Deputy Speaker, Adamu Aliyu Gumm, who also acts as the vice chairman of the committee.

As per the House spokesperson, Bello Kurya, the representatives unanimously approved the committee’s advice after discussions overseen by Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki.

Kurya clarified that the two leaders faced suspension for neglecting to respond to summons from the committee to clarify the spending of funds designated for their respective councils.

“The summons were issued for them to account for their financial expenditures,” he stated, emphasizing that their refusal to attend the committee was deemed a significant violation.

He mentioned that the suspension is effective immediately and will persist until the conclusion of an ongoing inquiry into the fiscal activities of the state’s 14 local government councils for the 2025 fiscal period.

The Assembly instructed the affected chairmen to transfer responsibilities to their respective vice chairmen without delay.

Kurya additionally mentioned that the punitive measure was grounded in discoveries of “disrespect toward the legislative body” as well as a deficiency in transparency and accountability.

He affirmed that the Assembly has communicated its resolutions to the executive branch of government for enforcement, reiterating its dedication to the prudent management of public resources and effective governance within the state.