By Tina George, Minna
Niger State House of Assembly has declared that the suspension of the chairman of Shiroro local government council, Suleman Chukuba is illegal.
They also faulted the state governor, Abubakar Sani-Bello for failing to constitute a committee to investigate the allegations levelled against Chukuba.
According to the House, failure of the state governor to constitute a committee to investigate allegations levelled against the suspended council chairman of within seven days of the receipt of such petition in accordance with section 31 (2) of the local government law, rendered the suspension null and void.
The member representing Bosso constituency, Malik Madaki Bosso stated the position of the Assembly in an interview with newsmen in Minna on Thursday.
He said the continued suspension is an invitation to chaos, adding that due to the inaction of the governor, Chukuba remains the authentic chairman of Shiroro council.
“The petition should be declared null and void. That petition can no longer stand except another petition is brought against him.
“The position of the local government law is very clear on this. The law says the governor shall set up a committee of not more than three persons of integrity within three days of the receipt of the petition to investigate such allegations.
“The petition was submitted to the governor since 20th of December 2020 and up till today, 10th February, the governor is yet to set up a committee.
“There is no way the chairman can be removed without setting up this committee. He is also entitled to defend himself in person or by legal representation, and all these were not followed. As lawmakers, we will not support any act of illegality. Chukuba remains the authentic chairman of the Council,” Bosso said.
