HOUSE COMMITTEE ON L.G. AND CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS INTERVENES IN KATCHA AND WUSHISHI POLITICAL CRISES….
The House Standing Committee on Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs of the Niger State House of Assembly has intervened in the political crises affecting Katcha and Wushishi Local Government Councils in a bid to restore peace, strengthen unity, and promote effective grassroots governance in the two councils.
As part of the intervention, the Chairman and Members of the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs held separate interactive sessions with stakeholders from Katcha and Wushishi Local Government Councils at the Assembly Complex, Minna. The meetings were attended by the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councillors of the respective Local Government Councils.
The interface was aimed at identifying the remote causes of the crises, addressing the issues responsible for the disputes, and finding lasting solutions that will promote peace, stability, and harmonious working relationships within the councils.
The political crisis in Katcha Local Government Council led to the suspension of the Vice Chairman, Hon. Maryam Dauda, for a period of three (3) months by the Katcha Legislative Council.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Alh. Bello Bako, Member representing Rijau Constituency, informed the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councillors that the Committee was carrying out its constitutional responsibility of ensuring peace, stability, and adherence to the law in all Local Government Councils across the state.
Hon. Bello Bako stated that the Committee was not convened to argue with, intimidate, or witch-hunt anyone, but rather to guide all stakeholders on the provisions of the law governing local government administration. He stressed that, as elected public office holders, every decision and action must be guided by the law, adding that any action taken outside the provisions of the law remains null and void.
He urged all parties to see the interface as an opportunity to correct past mistakes and prevent similar occurrences in the future. According to him, ignorance of the law is never an excuse for violating it, emphasizing that strict adherence to due process and the rule of law is essential for the progress and development of Niger State and the nation at large.
In their separate responses, the Chairman of Katcha Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Isah Baba Bida, and the Chairman of Wushishi Local Government Council, Hon. Engr. Dr. Mohammed Lokogoma, expressed appreciation to the Chairman and Members of the House Standing Committee for their timely intervention and foresight in bringing all stakeholders together to resolve the crises affecting their respective councils.
The two Council Chairmen also appreciated the Farmer Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, for his timely intervention, commitment, and support towards resolving the crises. They noted that the Governor’s leadership and dedication to peace have greatly contributed to efforts aimed at restoring harmony and stability in the affected Local Government Councils.
The Chairmen further commended the Committee’s commitment to promoting peace and resolving disputes through dialogue. They assured the Committee of their readiness to continue working closely with their Vice Chairmen, Councillors, and other stakeholders in the interest of peace, unity, good governance, and the overall socio-economic development of their respective Local Government Areas.
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