Niger Assembly suspends plenary indefinitely amid executive rift

The Niger State House of Assembly has suspended its plenary sessions indefinitely, citing a significant rift with the state's executive arm. The decision came after a motion moved by Mohammed Abubakar-Kabir, representing Chanchaga Constituency, urged the House to halt proceedings until all "unresolved issues" with the executive are addressed.

Abubakar-Kabir stressed the importance of safeguarding the independence of the legislative arm, warning that posterity would judge members if they allowed pending issues to be ignored. The motion, seconded by Abdulrahman Gambo of Borgu Constituency, sparked a considerable debate among lawmakers.

Jibrin Ndagi-Baba, representing Lavun Constituency, proposed a counter-motion, arguing against the suspension. However, the majority of members insisted on suspending the plenary. Following heated arguments and an appeal for calm from Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the motion to suspend was put to a vote.

The majority carried the day, leading to the indefinite suspension of plenary. The House then retired into an executive session to deliberate on the alleged "unresolved issues" with the executive branch of the state government.

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posterity would judge members if they continued to allow pending issues with the executive to be swept under the carpet.