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.