The former Deputy Chairman of Shira Local Government in Bauchi State, Hon. Adamu Usman Bamaraya, has instituted legal proceedings against the Bauchi State House of Assembly and other parties over what he describes as his illegal removal from office.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Bamaraya revealed that he was never summoned before any investigative panel or tribunal, nor was he given the opportunity to defend himself against any allegations, as required by Section 20 (7) of the Local Government Law and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

According to Bamaraya, he only became aware of his removal through a Facebook post titled "Resolution to remove the Chairman of Shira Local Government Council (Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Beli) and Deputy Chairman (Hon. Adamu Usman) from office", which was signed by the councillor representing Andubun Ward, Hon. Abdullahi Wada.

The former deputy chairman further alleged that some stakeholders attempted to coerce him into resigning, and when he refused, he was arrested by the Divisional Police Officer in Shira and detained at a Correctional Centre for seven days without trial before being granted bail.

Bamaraya is seeking several reliefs through his lawsuit, including his reinstatement as Deputy Chairman, the cancellation of the scheduled by-election set for May 24, 2025, and sanctions against those responsible for his arrest and detention for refusing to sign a resignation letter.

The defendants in the case include Shira Local Government Council, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC), and all councillors representing Shira LGA.

On March 3, 2025, the Legislative Council of Shira Local Government removed Chairman Abdullahi Ibrahim Beli and Deputy Chairman Usman Adamu, citing allegations of gross misconduct, financial mismanagement, dereliction of duty, and abuse of office.

Following their removal, BASIEC scheduled by-elections for May 24, 2025, to fill the vacancies. BASIEC Chairman Ahmed Makama explained that the commission acted based on official communication declaring the seats vacant, which legally required it to conduct elections within 14 days.

"We received correspondence informing us that a vacancy exists in the offices of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman in Shira Local Government. As a commission, we are duty-bound to conduct an election to fill those vacancies," Makama stated.

He further noted that, "The Bauchi State Electoral Law (2008) mandates that by-elections must be held within 14 days once a vacancy is officially declared."