In response to a protracted crisis in the Kagarko local government area, the Kaduna State House of Assembly has intervened by taking over its legislative duties.
In addition, the House of Assembly has enforced an indefinite suspension of eight councillors from the local government area. The affected councillors are Danjuma Padalo of Iddah Ward, Adamu Abdulaziz of Kagarko South Ward, Livinus Makama of Aribi Ward, Samson Hazo of Katugal Ward, Amos Egoh of Kushe Ward, Idris Abubakar of Jere North Ward, Zakaria Musa of Kukui Ward, and Rabo Musa of Kurmin Jibrin Ward.
Insiders revealed that the suspension by the State House of Assembly is linked to the illegal impeachment of Nasara Rabo, the Council Chairman, characterized by non-adherence to due process and egregious breach of office protocols.
The crisis escalated when on November 2, 2023, eight councillors impeached the council chairman during an investigation by the Ad-hoc Committee of the 10th Assembly regarding allegations of fund mismanagement against him.
On November 3, 2023, the Chairman was reinstated following a letter of recall signed by the Clerk of the Assembly, Sakinatu Idris, citing the lack of merit in the allegations against him.
A source emphasized the councillors’ disregard for the impeachment guidelines and denial of a fair hearing. This, coupled with their desperation, has contributed to the current impasse.
In a subsequent development, the clerk of the House issued a letter dated November 20, 2023, to the Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government Affairs, and the reinstated Chairman, instructing the immediate suspension of the eight local government councillors.
The letter, citing the oversight function by the Ad-Hoc Committee on Local Government, conveyed the 10th Assembly’s resolution to suspend the eight councillors indefinitely until further notice.
Furthermore, the affected councillors have been barred from the Secretariat premises during the investigation. The ministry has been directed to communicate the suspension to the affected councillors of Kagarko Local Government and the Local Government Service Board, prohibiting their involvement in any official activities pending the investigation.
The councillors are also mandated to relinquish all government properties/documents in their possession to the clerk of the Legislative Council until further notice.
