By Abubakar Muhammad Adamu
The Adamawa State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution recommending the immediate suspension of the Chairman of Madagali Local Government Area, Hon. Simon Musa Sashi, over what lawmakers described as the illegal and unconstitutional closure of schools in the council area.
The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by the Majority Leader and member representing Demsa Constituency, Kate Raymond Mamuno during the resumed plenary of the 8th Assembly presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley.
Presenting the motion, Mamunof informed the House that credible reports indicated that the Madagali Chairman unilaterally directed the closure of schools without consulting the State Government or obtaining approval from the Ministry of Education or SUBEB.
She explained that while the State Government had issued directives for the decongestion of schools due to national security considerations, it did not order the closure of any school in the state.
The Majority Leader noted that the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to education and that education policy, school management, and decisions on closures remain strictly under the jurisdiction of the State Government, not local government chairmen.
The Lawmaker described the action of the chairman as reckless, unconstitutional, and beyond his powers, noting that pupils and students in Madagali already affected by years of insecurity should not be subjected to further disruptions.
During deliberations, several members strongly supported the motion, stressing that the Chairman’s decision was ultra vires and could set a dangerous precedent if left unchecked.
They emphasized that no individual has the authority to override state-level directives and warned other council chairmen to operate strictly within the confines of the law.
Some members even called for a longer suspension period, arguing that education is too critical to be tampered with through personal or politically motivated decisions.
After contributions from members, the House adopted two key resolutions.
First, it resolved to recommend to the Executive Governor of Adamawa State the suspension of the Chairman of Madagali Local Government for one month with effect from December 1, 2025, to allow for a thorough investigation.
Second, the House mandated its Standing Committee on Education as well as the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to investigate the circumstances surrounding the school closure and report back within three weeks.
With the majority voting in favour, the Speaker declared the motion adopted and directed the Clerk of the House to immediately communicate the resolutions to the Governor for further action.