After receiving legal advice from the office of the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, the Kaduna state government has directed the suspended chairmen of Chikun and Giwa local governments to immediately resume their duties.
The chairmen were suspended by the state House of Assembly on June 1, 2022, following a motion by the member representing Zaria/Kewaye constituency, Ahmed Chokali, who accused them of misappropriation of funds. They were instructed to hand over to their deputies to allow for investigation.
Upon approaching the state government on the matter, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Aisha Dikko, responded to their letter requesting legal advice on their suspension. Dikko noted that their suspension was a violation of both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Local Government Law of Kaduna state.
Dikko reiterated that the procedures for the removal of the chairman and vice-chairman of a local government council in the state are clearly stipulated by the Kaduna State Local Government Law 2018.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the Attorney General’s legal advice stated that the action of the House of Assembly was unconstitutional, null, and void, and should be reversed immediately. Based on this advice, the Secretary to the State Government wrote to the two chairmen, directing them to return to their offices.
The Secretary to the State Government also mentioned that a copy of the letter would be communicated to the Clerk of the Assembly for information and guidance.