The Kano State House of Assembly has officially suspended the Chairman of Rano Local Government Council, Alhaji Muhammad Naziru Ya’u, for a period of three months following serious allegations of misconduct in office.
The suspension comes after a thorough investigation prompted by complaints from council members and is aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in local government administration.
The decision was announced during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Jibril Isma’il Falgore. The session followed the submission of an investigative report by the House Committee on Public Petition, which was tasked with probing the allegations against the Rano Local Government chairman.
Alhaji Lawan Hussaini Dala, the Committee Chairman and also the Majority Leader of the House, presented the report. He explained that the investigation was initiated after a petition was signed by nine out of ten councillors in the Rano Local Government Council.
The petition detailed multiple allegations, including financial recklessness, unauthorized sale of council-owned shops, and diversion of fertilizer intended for local farmers. The councillors further accused the chairman of other actions undermining the integrity and proper functioning of the local government council.
According to the report, although Chairman Ya’u denied all allegations, the lawmakers found sufficient cause to recommend his suspension. The decision was guided by the provisions of Section 128 of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 55 (1–6) of the Kano State Local Government Law of 2006.
The three-month suspension is intended to allow for a thorough and impartial investigation into the claims, ensuring that due process is followed while maintaining the effective governance of Rano LGA.
In addition to the suspension, the House adopted several supplementary measures. These include the immediate submission of Rano LGA’s financial statement for the year 2025 to facilitate transparency and accountability. The committee also recommended that the Vice Chairman of the council be appointed to act in an interim capacity during the suspension period, ensuring the uninterrupted administration of council affairs.
“After careful deliberations, the House adopted the committee’s recommendations, effectively suspending the chairman and placing the local government council under temporary oversight,” Alhaji Dala said. He emphasized that the House remains committed to upholding good governance, accountability, and due process in local government administration.
The suspension has drawn attention from local government stakeholders, civil society organizations, and residents of Rano LGA, many of whom are calling for a thorough and transparent investigation that will address all allegations and ensure that justice is served.