Sarkin-Daji emerges Niger 10th assembly Speaker
Mr Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji has emerged as the Speaker of the 10th Niger State House of Assembly, while Mrs Afiniki Dauda (APC-Gurara) was elected as the Deputy Speaker.
Sarkin-Daji (APC-Mariga), a first-time lawmaker, was nominated by Mr Mohammed Haruna (APC-Bida II ) while Abdulrahman Gambo (APC-Borgu) seconded the nomination.
Dauda was nominated by Umar Nasir (APC-Paiko) and was seconded by Bello Bako (APC-Rijau).
The Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Abdullahi Kagara, thereafter, administered the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance on the elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Sarkin-Daji, in turn, administered the Oath of Office and Oath Allegiance to the remaining 25 members of the assembly.
He announced that the State Working Committee of APC had recommended and approved Mr Idris Vatsa (APC-Lapai) as the Majority Leader.
Mohammed Abubakar (APC-Chanchaga) was made the Chief Whip of the assembly, while Mohammed Garba (APC-Agwara) became the Deputy Majority Leader.
The speaker added that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also approved Mr Andrew Doma (PDP-Shiroro) as the Minority Leader and Ndagi Zakari (PDP-Mokwa) as Deputy Minority Leader.
In his acceptance speech, Sarkin-Daji applauded the zoning arrangement as well as the support trust and confidence of his colleagues that made him the speaker.
He promised to entrench unity, transparency, and accountability in the 10th assembly, adding that he would ensure robust relationship with the executive arm of government.
Sarkin-Daji appreciated Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger for his commitment in upholding the principles of democracy and for not interfering in the democratic process of the assembly.
In his goodwill message, Bago expressed optimism that the 10th assembly would be dedicated to the service of the people and ensure cordial relationship between the three arms of government.
Bago, represented by his Deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, urged the members to discharge their constitutional responsibility by making effective laws.
He urged them to carry out their oversight functions as enshrined in the constitutional to enable the government deliver on its campaign promises to the people.
He pledged his support to them and enjoined them to concentrate on the duties of law making, appropriation, as well as expose corruption and inefficiency in the management of public funds. (NAN)