By Ibrahim Danladi
The Jigawa State House of Assembly has taken decisive action by suspending three local government council chairmen in the state. The affected chairmen are Hon Mubarak Ahmed of Birniwa local government, Hon Rufai Sunusi of Gumel local government, and Hon Umar Baffa of Birniwa local government.
The suspension stems from allegations that the chairmen traveled to Rwanda without obtaining prior permission from the state executive or the legislature. The House made the decision following a motion presented by Hon Aminu Zakari Tsubut, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Affairs.
Tsubut informed the House that, despite a prior directive not to travel due to the ongoing preparations for the 2024 Appropriation Bill and its impending presentation to the Assembly by Governor Umar Namadi, the chairmen defied the order. He characterized their actions as insubordination, warranting investigation and appropriate legal consequences.
The House unanimously endorsed the suspension of the three local government chairmen and directed their deputies to assume office in their absence. Additionally, a committee, headed by the Majority Leader, Hon Lawan Muhammad Dansure, was established to investigate the matter and report back within four weeks for further action.