The Niger State House of Assembly on Tuesday abruptly suspended sittings indefinitely, saying there were “unresolved issues” with the executive.
The walkout started with a motion from Mohammed Abubakar-Kabir, the Chanchaga lawmaker popularly known as Ustaz. He asked the house to step down proceedings until all “unresolved issues” with the executive “are addressed”. He declined to name the problems but warned that posterity would judge members if they kept letting pending issues with the executive be swept under the carpet. He also urged colleagues to act to safeguard the legislature’s independence.
Abdulrahman Gambo, who represents Borgu, seconded the motion. Not everyone agreed. Jibrin Ndagi-Baba of Lavun moved a countermotion, saying there was no need to stand down the day’s business over issues with the executive.
Debate got heated and nearly turned rowdy, with most members pushing to suspend the sitting. Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji stepped in, urging calm and respect for each other’s views. After the argument, he put the motion to a vote — supporters of suspension won.
The house then suspended plenary and slipped into an executive session to discuss the alleged “unresolved issues”. (NAN)
