Gov Umar Bago of Niger State Inaugurates 10th Assembly.
Niger State Governor, Hon. Muhammed Umar Bago have inaugurated the 10th Assembly where one-time former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji was elected as the Speaker.
The House also elected Hon. Afiniki Dauda, who was a member of the 6th Assembly into the office of the Deputy Speaker as the first woman to occupy that position since the inception of the state assembly.
Hon Malik Sarkin-Daji is of the All Progressives Congress (APC-Mariga) and a first-time lawmaker; he was nominated by Mr. Mohammed Haruna (APC-Bida II) while Abdulrahman Gambo (APC-Borgu) seconded the motion.
Mrs. Afiniki Dauda (APC-Gurara) who replaced the former member, Binta Mamman was equally elected as the Deputy Speaker and was nominated by Pharmacist. Umar Nasir (APC-Paikoro) and was seconded by Bello Bako (APC-Rijau).
While, the Clerk to the state Assembly, Mal. Abdullahi Kagara, thereafter administered the Oath of Office and Allegiance to the elected Speaker and the Deputy Speaker respectively.
Speaker Sarkin-Daji, thereafter, administered the Oath of Office and Allegiance to the remaining 25 members of the Assembly.
The Speaker further announced that the state working committee of the All Progressive Congress (APC) recommends and approved Mr Idris Vatsa (APC-Lapai) as the majority leader and Hon Mohammed Abubakar (APC-Chanchaga) as the chief Whip of the Assembly and Mohammed Garba (APC-Agwara) as Deputy Majority leader.
He added that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also approved Mr Andrew Doma (PDP-Shiroro) as Minority Leader and Ndagi Zakari (PDP-Mokwa) as Deputy Minority Leader.
The Speaker, while answering questions from Journalists after the inauguration, stated that the House would work harmoniously with the Executive Arm of Government to deliver the much needed dividends of democracy in the state.
