Nasarawa Assembly to investigate ex-LG chairs over N390m late grant

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged release of N390 million naira to the immediate past chairmen of the 13 Local Government Areas in the state, two days after the expiration of their tenure in office.

Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Godiya Akwashiki, constituted the ad-hoc committee following a petition the Assembly received from Nasarawa Concern Group through the House Committee Chairman on Finance, Muhammad Udege, alleging that the state government released the sum of N30 million naira to each of the erstwhile chairmen of local governments of the state, two days after the expiration of their tenure in office.

Ruling on the matter, the Deputy Speaker, who presided over the plenary, referred to section 14, sub section 1, of the Nigeria constitution that gives the House power to investigate such matters, stating that the committee would investigate the concern group first before moving to action.

“If it is true that the money was given to former council chairmen, they don’t have the right to temper with the money,” he added.

Members of the ad-hoc committee comprised of Chairman, House committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Saidu Galadima Shafa; Chairman, Committee on Finance, Mr. Muhammed Okpoku and Chairman, Committee on Public complaint and Petition, Muhammed Alikakali.

The committee has one week to summit its report and the House adjourned its sitting to next week Monday.