By Our Correspondent

National News – The Zamfara State House of Assembly on Wednesday suspended two local government chairmen over allegations of financial misappropriation and failure to account for public funds allocated to their councils.

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

The decision was taken during plenary after lawmakers adopted a report presented by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

According to the Assembly, the suspension followed investigations into how funds allocated to the two councils were spent.

The committee reportedly invited both chairmen several times to provide explanations regarding the expenditure of council funds, but they allegedly failed to honour the invitations.

Speaking on the development, the spokesperson of the Assembly, Bello Madaro Kurya, said the legislative action was necessary to strengthen transparency, accountability, and responsible governance in local government administration across Zamfara State.

Kurya explained that the committee’s findings were debated by lawmakers during a session presided over by Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki.

After deliberations, the House unanimously approved the recommendation to suspend the chairmen pending the completion of investigations into the alleged financial misconduct.

“The committee recommended the suspension of the two executive chairmen following their deliberate refusal to appear before the lawmakers to clarify issues relating to council expenditures,” Kurya stated.

He added that the Assembly also cited alleged disregard for legislative authority and lack of transparency in the management of public resources as key reasons for the disciplinary measure.

As part of the resolution, the suspended chairmen have been directed to immediately hand over administrative responsibilities to their respective vice chairmen until the probe is concluded.

The Zamfara lawmakers noted that the move was aimed at protecting public funds and ensuring that local government administrations operate within the framework of accountability and due process.

Efforts to obtain comments from the affected officials were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as they could not be reached for reactions to the allegations and suspension.

Observers say the Assembly’s decision reflects increasing scrutiny of local government financial management in Nigeria, where state legislatures are under pressure to ensure transparency and proper use of public funds.