By: Ojay Matthew
The Kebbi State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Fakai Local Government Area, Muhammad Mahuta, over allegations of gross misconduct, financial impropriety, and dereliction of duty.
The decision was reached on Wednesday during plenary in Birnin Kebbi, following the adoption of the report submitted by the House Special Committee led by Salihu Dangoje.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Dangoje said the investigation uncovered multiple infractions, including the removal and attempted sale of five electrical transformers, the illegal allocation of government-owned farmlands, and questionable dealings surrounding the rehabilitation of Mahuta Dam.
According to him, Mahuta initially claimed the transformers were taken for servicing with approval from a KEDCO official identified as Malam Nasir—who repeatedly failed to appear before the committee.
However, the narrative changed during a later appearance.
“On November 14, the council chairman confessed to participating in the misappropriation of the five transformers, which were intended to be sold to one Alhaji Kabiru Dauda at the rate of ₦2.5 million each,” Dangoje stated. He added that evidence of financial transfers linked to the attempted sale was also uncovered.
The committee further found that improper handling of official duties by council officials led to the unlawful allocation and disposal of government farmlands. It recommended the immediate cancellation of the allocations, citing violations of due process.
On the Mahuta Dam rehabilitation project, the committee reported discrepancies in Mahuta’s claim that the contract was awarded to ZBCC company.
“The project engineer denied that any contract was awarded to the company. He confirmed that their equipment was hired and that he was only supervising the work,” Dangoje said, adding that the committee found no evidence of a legitimate contract despite payments made.
Based on these findings, the committee recommended Mahuta’s suspension for six months.
Additional recommendations include the immediate commencement of rehabilitation work on Mahuta Dam, revocation of the illegally allocated farmlands, and a commendation letter to the NSCDC Divisional Officer in Fakai for his professionalism in handling the transformer incident.
The motion for suspension was moved by Muhammad Buhari (APC–Aliero) and seconded by Nura Kangiwa (APC–Arewa).
Announcing the verdict, Speaker Muhammad Usman declared that the suspension takes effect immediately.
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