An atmosphere of unease has enveloped the elected officials of Kaduna State’s 23 local government areas and their 255 councillors amidst reports of a potential truncation of their tenure by the state government and assembly.
Although no official statement has been released, apprehension looms among the elected officials following the alleged passage of an amendment bill by the state assembly.
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The bill purportedly reduces the tenure of elected chairmen and councillors from three years to two years.
Additionally, the proposed amendment grants the governor the authority to dissolve the council four months before the expiration of the two-year tenure.
The perceived move has stirred concerns among the incumbents, who fear their tenure may be prematurely terminated, raising questions about the motives behind the legislative action.
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Reports indicate that the issue was discussed during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, involving the state governor, assembly leadership, elected chairmen, councillors, and other party leaders.
Speculations suggest that the potential truncation of tenure may stem from political rivalries, particularly between the incumbent governor, Uba Sani, and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Allegations circulate that the governor aims to consolidate his power by appointing loyalists as caretaker chairmen ahead of future elections.
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However, amidst backlash and legal threats, the governor reassured the elected officials of his commitment to democratic principles, pledging not to undermine their mandate.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) denounced the purported move as unconstitutional, asserting that the elected officials should serve their full three-year term as mandated by the law.
Meanwhile, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintain that the proposed amendment will only apply to future councils, allowing the incumbents to complete their tenure.
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Governor Uba Sani’s office dismissed allegations of a tenure reduction plan, affirming his adherence to the rule of law and democratic values.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Kaduna State House of Assembly have been unsuccessful, leaving questions unanswered regarding the legislative rationale behind the proposed amendment.
As tensions escalate, the fate of Kaduna’s local government officials hangs in the balance, awaiting clarity on the future of their tenure amid political maneuvers and legal uncertainties.
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