In a significant move underscoring the importance of decorum within legislative chambers, the Kebbi State House of Assembly has suspended Hassan Umar, the representative for Birnin Kebbi North Constituency. The decision, announced on April 15, 2024, followed what the Assembly described as “unguarded utterances” by Umar, which were deemed detrimental to the harmony and leadership of the House.
This disciplinary action was confirmed through a press release signed by the Clerk of the House, Suleiman Shamaki. The statement detailed that the suspension occurred after a unanimous vote during an Executive Session held on April 12, 2024. The Assembly cited not only Umar’s inappropriate remarks but also his actions in instigating other members against the leadership and disrupting the relationship between the executive and legislative branches.
The controversy surrounding Umar’s remarks and actions highlights ongoing tensions within the political framework of Kebbi State. This is not the first instance of such issues within the local political scene. In October 2019, the All Progressives Congress in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area similarly suspended a council chairmanship aspirant, Shafiu Abubakar, for unguarded comments made during a radio interview, reflecting a pattern of strict accountability expected from public officials in the region.
The suspension of Umar serves as a reminder of the standards of conduct expected from elected officials and the consequences of failing to adhere to these norms. The Kebbi State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the current government, continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful and cooperative atmosphere within its legislative processes.
