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The Niger State House of Assembly has approved 20 number Special Advisers for appointment to the state government.
The House gave the nod today after the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji read the first correspondence letter sent to the House by the Executive Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, seeking their approval to appoint 20 Special Advisers.
The letter reads in part, “In compliance with section 196 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria as amended, I write to officially request for your consent and approval of the Honourable House to enable me to commence appointment of 20 members of Special Advisers in Niger State. This is to fast-track the state government’s activities and implementation of the mandate of this administration".
However, before unanimously approving the governor's request, after exhaustive deliberation, the House cautioned the executive arm of the government to put geographical aspects and gender sensitivity into consideration to avoid the issue of marginalization.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago says that he is confident that Sen Abubakar Sani Bello will give good representation for his people at the red chambers.
Gov Umaru Bago said this at a reception held for Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello, the immediate past governor of Niger State and Senator representing Niger North Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, held at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.
Gov Umaru Bago assured him that the government will work together with him as their doors were open to receive all advice and contributions he will make.
"I want to wish him well, I want him to know that we have his back and as a people and government our doors are open, we welcome all kinds of advice from him and inshallah I will work together with him.
"We want him to represent us very well from where he is representing", he said.
He urged the Senator to avail himself and be accessible to members of his constituency.
Sen. Sani Bello said that he will give his best to the people of his constituency and the state at large.
He assured his people that he will represent them well at the centre as well as involve stakeholders of his constituency in carrying out legislative functions.
"Definitely as a Senator representing Niger North, I will do my best to give them the good representation they deserve.
"We will engage stakeholders from time to time to understand their feelings, their difficulties and how we can help at the centre.
The former governor of Niger State, who won a landslide victory at the recently concluded National Assembly elections, was overwhelmed with the solidarity shown to him.
He appreciated all those that made it to the reception and assured them of quality representation.
Other speakers who congratulated Sen Sani Bello include his wife and immediate past first lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar Bello, a former secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Yayaha Kuta Muhammad, the former governor’s chief of staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, and some immediate past cabinet members, and some members of his constituency.
According to them, the Senator has performed credibly well and that they have no doubt that he will excel as a parliamentarian.