Thinadhoo mayor, deputy challenge suspension without pay in court
The suspension followed an LGA board meeting, which concluded that there were serious issues concerning the operations of the Thinadhoo City Council.
GDh. Thinadhoo Mayor Saud Ali and Deputy Mayor Nasrullah Ali have filed a case in the Civil Court seeking to overturn the decision by the Local Government Authority (LGA) to suspend them without pay.
The suspension followed an LGA board meeting, which concluded that there were serious issues concerning the operations of the Thinadhoo City Council. The council, which has a majority from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), is contesting the decision, claiming the actions taken were unjustified.
Speaking to Dhauru, Mayor Saud stated that the case filed requests the court to nullify the LGA’s decision. He alleged that the action against him and other council members stemmed from personal grievances.
The LGA held a press conference on 25 June to share details of its investigation into 19 issues related to the council’s operations. The findings include:
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Failure to respond to correspondence from state agencies
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Charging MVR 5,000 for transfer of residence from Thinadhoo to other islands, despite an order to cease the practice
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Withholding information from the Atoll Council and government bodies
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Non-compliance with instructions issued by the Atoll Council
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Providing allowances to bid-related committees without Finance Ministry authorisation
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Lack of cooperation with an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
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Council officials using social media to allegedly discredit the council and local government system
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Allocation of 200 housing units without coordination with the Ministry of Housing
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Failure to ensure availability of water in some of the allocated housing units
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Complaints about the mayor’s unavailability to meet with residents
One specific allegation involves funds from a monument project being deposited into a private business account under Mayor Saud’s name. Another includes Thinadhoo council members receiving salaries and allowances as city council members before the island had officially gained city status.
Further allegations include:
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Recruitment of council staff without public announcement
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Splitting of procurement contracts in a manner that violates financial regulations
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Purchase of a launcher allegedly favouring a particular individual
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Unsettled debts involving Council Member Abdullah Zaleef Mohamed
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Women’s Development Committee Chair Jiza Hassan allegedly attending meetings online while still claiming allowances
Following the investigation, the LGA decided to suspend Mayor Saud for three months and Deputy Mayor Nasrullah for one month without pay or allowances. Additionally, four council members – Ahmed Vahid, Aminath Naseema, Ahmeema Ahmed, and Mohammed Zaleef – were ordered to repay excess salary payments within two months and were formally advised on their conduct.
