The Zamfara State House of Assembly has suspended two local government chairmen over alleged financial irregularities, in what lawmakers described as a firm crackdown on accountability breaches at the grassroots level.
Those affected are Mannir Mu’azu Haidara of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area and Umar A. Faru of Bukkuyum LGA.
Announcing the decision on Wednesday, the House spokesperson, Bello Kurya, said the action underscored the legislature’s resolve to enforce transparency and discipline in council administration across the state.
He explained that the decision followed the consideration of a report by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, presented during plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Adamu Aliyu Gumm, who also doubles as the committee’s vice chairman.
According to Kurya, the panel recommended the suspension of the two chairmen after they allegedly failed to honour several invitations to appear before it and account for funds allocated to their respective councils.
“The invitations were meant to enable them clarify issues surrounding the utilisation of public funds under their watch,” he said.
The House, presided over by the Speaker, Bilyaminu Moriki, subsequently adopted the committee’s findings and ordered the immediate suspension of the officials pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The Assembly directed the affected chairmen to hand over the affairs of their councils to their deputies without delay.
Lawmakers cited disregard for legislative authority, as well as concerns over transparency and accountability, as key reasons for the disciplinary measure.
Kurya added that the resolution formed part of a broader legislative review of the financial operations of the 14 local government councils in the state for the 2025 fiscal year.
He noted that all recommendations contained in the report had been transmitted to the executive arm for implementation, stressing the Assembly’s commitment to prudent management of public funds and good governance.
Attempts to get reactions from the suspended officials were unsuccessful as calls to their known contacts were not answered.