Power Struggle Erupts As Niger Assembly Grounds Legislative Activities

The Niger State House of Assembly has suspended plenary indefinitely following disagreements with the executive arm of government over what lawmakers described as unresolved issues.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The decision was reached during Tuesday’s sitting after a motion was presented by the member representing Chanchaga Constituency, Mohammed Abubakar-Kabir, popularly known as Ustaz.

Abubakar-Kabir urged the House to halt legislative activities until outstanding matters between the legislature and the executive were adequately addressed, arguing that it would be difficult for lawmakers to continue normal proceedings while key concerns remained unresolved.

Although he did not disclose the specific nature of the issues, the lawmaker stressed that the Assembly had a duty to safeguard its independence and institutional integrity.

He warned that future generations would judge the current legislature harshly if members failed to address matters affecting the autonomy of the House and continued to overlook unresolved concerns involving the executive branch.

The motion received support from the member representing Borgu Constituency, Abdulrahman Gambo, who seconded the proposal.

However, the member representing Lavun Constituency, Jibrin Ndagi-Baba, opposed the motion and introduced a counter-motion, arguing that legislative business should continue despite any existing disagreements with the executive.

His position triggered a vigorous debate on the floor of the House, with lawmakers divided over whether plenary should be suspended.

The exchange became increasingly heated as the majority of members insisted that legislative proceedings should be put on hold until their concerns were addressed.

Amid the tension, Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji intervened and appealed for calm, urging members to respect differing opinions and allow the House to resolve the matter through established parliamentary procedures.

Following his intervention, the Speaker directed that the motion be subjected to a vote.

After voting, lawmakers in favour of suspending plenary secured the majority, paving the way for the adoption of the motion.

Consequently, the Assembly resolved to suspend plenary indefinitely and proceeded into a closed-door executive session to deliberate on the unresolved issues with the executive arm of government.

The suspension is expected to remain in effect until both arms of government reach a resolution on the matters in dispute.