Niger House Speaker Impeached
The Speaker of Niger State House of Assembly, Adamu Usman, his deputy, Hon. Abdulrahaman Bala, the Chief Whip, Hon. Abdullahi Lawal and Majority Leader, Hon. Haruna Labaran were yesterday impeached for not taking action over the non-payment of the over head cost of the lawmakers since February.
The principal officers were impeached by 19 out of the 25 members of the assembly.
The gate of the assembly was shut down as early as 7.30a.m., preventing members from getting into the premises but members after asking Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr. Aaron Sunday, politely to open the gate, he insisted he was working with directives from above.
The lawmakers then went ahead to break the padlock of the gate to gain access to the chamber where Hon. Abdullahi Akwanu who is the house chairman business and rule, told the assembly that after the assembly’s executive meeting on Monday, it was agreed that it should sit yesterday expressing surprise that no leader of the assembly, including the speaker was around for the sitting.
He therefore drew the attention of the assembly to order 8 of the assembly standing rule which provides that in the absence of the speaker from the assembly without any reason, a temporary speaker be appointed to enable the proceeding of the assembly.
A motion was therefore moved by Hon. Usman Dada, representing Bosso Constituency for the appointment of a temporary speaker and this was seconded by another member.
Hon. Isah Kawu, representing Bida 1 was immediately nominated for the position of the temporary speaker by Hon. Abdullahi Akwanu and this was seconded by Hon. Jacob Maggi Gana, representing Lavun Constituency.
Thereafter, Gana told the assembly that the refusal of the leadership of the assembly to show up after it was agreed at the executive meeting on Monday had caused the some level of embarrassment and therefore moved for the removal of the leadership.
His motion was seconded by member representing Paikoro Constituency, Hon. Yusuf Kure. After sacking the leadership of the assembly, the temporary speaker then called for nomination for the new leadership of the assembly.