KIGALI/ MUHANGA  — Barely a year into office, the mayor of Muhanga Samuel Ngirishuti has been ‘asked’ to resign after massive use of alcohol during the festive season.

Ngirinshuti, who was elected into office six month ago after the resignation of Augustin Hategeka mid last year, was told to resign by provincial authorities allegedly because the act of alcohol abuse defied the moral authority of a person in his position.

"This act was not fit for a person holding a high profile office like that and he has so far sought forgiveness and resigned in good faith,” Fidel Ndayisaba, the Governor said yesterday by phone.

However, in the resignation letter addressed to the district advisory council, Ngirishuti cited personal reasons for his resignation, saying he was going to pursue his masters’ degree.

But the Governor said: "He may go for further studies as well because it is his personal right, but his resignation had something to do with the scandal (over consumption of alcohol).”

The district council that sat on Wednesday approved his resignation but some councilors were concerned about the resignation culture, of the district leaders.

"There is a tendency for leaders resigning at very crucial moments causing the district to suffer major setbacks. This has left big gaps in achieving our development goals.” one member said.

Meanwhile, area residents allege that the mayor’s resignation stemmed from a sex scandal on Christmas Eve and the governor allegedly commissioned a probe in the matter but Ndayisaba differed on this.

"The only scandal was abuse of alcohol but I am not aware of the sexual allegations,” said the governor.

Also another person who reportedly teamed up with the mayor was the district police commander, Supt Claude Tembo, who is said to have been replaced from the position by the appointing authority.

When contacted, Ngirinshuti insisted that the resignation was his personal right and promised continued cooperation with district leadership whenever needed.

"The short time we have spent together has been fruitful and there are many issues that have been implemented by the council as a result. I hope to be helpful and work for the country after acquiring my education,” Ngirinshuti promised.

The council set January 21 as the official handover. Obedi Kizito, the vice Mayor in charge of economic affairs, takes up acting position of the mayor pending a by-election.

This is the second district leader to throw in the towel in less than a month, Rubavu mayor, Ramadhan Barengayabo having resigned just weeks ago.

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