By Suleiman Yakubu

One-time Local Government Chairman of Mariga and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has been elected as the Speaker of the 10th Niger State House of Assembly.
The House also elected Hon. Afiniki Daudu, 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 creation of the state.
Sarkin-Daji, of the All Progressive Congress (APC-Mariga) and a first-time lawmaker, was nominated by Mr. Mohammed Haruna (APC-Bida II) while Abdulrahman Gambo (APC-Borgu) seconded the motion.
Mrs. Afiniki Daudu (APC-Gurara) was equally elected as the Deputy Speaker and was nominated by Pharm. Umar Nasir (APC-Paikoro) and was seconded by Bello Bako (APC-Rijau). While, the Clerk to the state Assembly, Mr. Abdullahi Kagara, thereafter administered the Oath of Office and Allegiance to the elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.
Speaker Sarkindaji, thereafter, administered the Oath of Office and Allegiance to the remaining 25 members of the assembly.
Speaking further, the Speaker announced that the state working committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recommended 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 party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also approved Mr Andrew Doma (PDP-Shiroro) as Minority Leader and Ndagi Zakari (PDP-Mokwa) as Deputy Minority Leader.
Meanwhile, the Speaker, while fielding questions from reporters after the inauguration, said the House would work harmoniously with the Executive Arm of Government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the Nigerlites.

By Suleiman Yakubu

As part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day, the Governor of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago has approved the payment of fines for the discharge of 80 inmates spread across various Correctional Centres in the State.
A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, explained that the payment of fine for the discharge of the inmates by the governor was in line with power of Prerogative of Mercy as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the SSG, “the payment of fines was also considered based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on prerogative of mercy with due consideration to old age, ill health and good behavior”.
He appealed to the inmates to make use of their freedom by engaging in useful ventures and shun any act that could lead them back to correctional facility.
Alhaji Usman implored the inmates to be law-abiding citizens and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of various empowerment windows.
In a similar development, as the nation celebrates this year’s Democracy Day, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman has called on the people of the State to use the period to reflect on their roles in peace building and support for good governance.
The SSG who made the call in a message to mark the 2023 Democracy Day, enjoined the people of the State to support the programmes and policies of the present administration designed to bring rapid development to the State.
He reassured the people of the State that Government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that democratic dividends are felt in all the nooks and crannies of the State, stressing that Nigerlites must not allow despondency to replace hope.
Alhaji Usman implored the people of the State to renew their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions by imbibing values that will promote democracy such as tolerance, patriotism and discipline.
The SSG explained that Government noted with concern the security challenges in the State but assured citizens that all forms of criminality will soon be nip in the bud.