Niger lawmakers recommend suspension of LG chairman over alleged financial recklessness, misconduct

Niger lawmakers recommend suspension of LG chairman over alleged financial recklessness, misconduct

Members of the Niger State House of Assembly have recommended the immediate suspension of the Chairman of Rijau Local Government Area, Hon. Danladi Kwambo Uganda, for three months, over alleged financial recklessness and gross misconduct.

They took the decision during plenary to give room for thorough investigation into the activities of his council.

Uganda’s suspension was the result of recommendations on a report by the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, during its oversight functions to the 25 local government areas of the state.

Presenting the report, the house committee chairman on LG and member representing Rijau Constituency, Hon Alhaji Bello Bako, explained that during the exercise to the council, it was observed that there was huge financial recklessness, gross misconduct and misappropriation, which had affected revenue and other finances in the council.

According to the report, “The council acknowledged the receipt of N100million as overhead for eight months but could not account on the fund was spent.

“The chairman’s refusal to lodge revenue fund into the designated revenue account for the period of four months, spending public funds without due regards to lay down procedure (F&GPC) and council’s approval contrary to section 17(2) of local government law 2012 and the disposal of Council assets including vehicles without recourse to due diligence and processes.”

In view of this development, Bako explained that the chairman was therefore, invited to appear before the house of which he refused to show up, adding that the action of the chairman was a collective insult to the house.

Aside the suspension, the lawmakers, after exhaustive deliberations on the matter, also recommended that the vice chairman should take charge of the affairs of the LG pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Speaker, Hon Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, then directed the clerk of the house to immediately communicate the decision of the house on the suspension of the Chairman to the state governor, Hon Umar Mohammed Bago.

Niger lawmakers recommend suspension of LG chairman over alleged financial recklessness, misconduct