Kano councillors suspend Local Government Chairman amid allegations of misconduct

The Chairman of Nassarawa local council in Kano State, Hon. Auwalu Lawan Shu’aibu, has been suspended from office indefinitely.

According to reports, the suspension of Shu’aibu, fondly called Aranponsu, was contained in a letter issued and signed by eight out of 11 councillors of the council.

The councillors directed the suspended Chairman to hand over the mantle of leadership to his deputy, Hon. Muazu Abubakar Adamu, pending the conclusion of the investigation.

In the suspension letter made available to journalists on Tuesday, the suspended council boss was accused of financial misappropriation, absenteeism, nepotism, gross misconduct, and violation of council’s rules, among other offenses.

Specifically, the councillors accused Aranponsu of leasing out the internally generated revenue collection to his close friend and failing to execute community development projects and humanitarian works at the ward levels in the council area.

Furthermore, the council legislators accused the chairman of diverting funds approved for the purchase of official vehicles and interfering in the affairs of the legislative council, thereby causing confusion, chaos, and sabotage.

According to the letter, “Your failure to observe and fully comply with the checks and balances spelled out in the existing guidelines and financial regulations governing the receipt and disbursement of council funds.”

“Your failure to render monthly statements of income and expenditure and annual reports to the legislative council for consideration and debate to ensure accountability and enforce performance, as enshrined in the constitution.”

When contacted, the embattled council chairman, Hon. Auwalu Lawan Shu’aibu, told SOLACEBASE that the councillors lack the power to remove or suspend him, as the constitution only allows the state assembly to do so.

Aranponsu, who denied the allegations, said his accusers have ulterior motives, which are political.

“Why are they coming up with these allegations now after almost two and a half years, if not politically motivated?” the chairman said.

The chairman also mentioned that he has not been served the suspension letter but rather saw the letter on social media.

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