Niger assembly rejects Bello’s request on advisers

The Niger State House of Assembly yesterday turned down a request by Governor Abubakar Bello to appoint three additional special advisers.

The governor had in a letter dated July 4 sought the approval of the assembly for additional slots, which he said was “in line with the administration’s commitment to ensure inclusiveness and enhanced service delivery.”

The assembly, at the plenary presided by the Speaker, Alhaji Ahmed Marafa, turned down the request through voice vote on the grounds that it was wrong for the governor to burden the state with additional political appointees.

Spokesman of the assembly, Alhaji Shuaibu Iyah (Suleja State Constituency), told newsmen after the sitting that appointing more special advisers was not in the best interest of the public in view of the state’s dwindling revenues.

“The House took this decision in good faith because the request of Mr Governor has fallen short of the expectation of the House,” he observed.

Iyah said appointment of special advisers usually costs government a fortune, adding that there were more pressing issues such as monies being owed pensioners and capital projects that needed to be completed among others.

On whether the refusal of the assembly was a sign of a crack in the relationship between the executive and legislature, he said the legislative arm was merely performing its duty of checking the executive.