MINNA – The Niger State House of Assembly reconvened on Wednesday after one week of being locked out by the police.
Polce barricaded the complex on May 5 during a face off over the impeachment of its Speaker and threat of impeachment ot the Governor.
The seating on Wednesday was attended by only nine of the 25 members making up the state legislature.
The Speaker, Alhaji Isah Kawu, told the House that Gov. Babangida Aliyu had sent two bills to the legislature.
“The first bill seeks to establish Niger State Council of Arts and Culture and Niger State Investment Promotion Agency.
Majority Leader of the House, Yusuf Kure, moved the motion for second reading of a bill to provide retirement benefits for the state Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries.
The motion was seconded by Chief Whip Saadatu Kolo.
On the low attendance by members, Deputy Speaker Bello Agwara told newsmen that those absent had taken permission from the Speaker.
On police barricade of the assembly complex, Agwara said that an arm of government cannot be stopped from exercising its constutional duties by another arm.
“Since there was a change of leadership, there is need for members to meet and discuss issues of interest to the public.
“As a parliament, it is not about the welfare of members alone, but also of the people.
“The police have no right to stop legislators from exercising their powers unless there is breakdown of law and order.
“The rumour that legislators planned to impeach the governor is fake. Before a governor is impeached, there are processes to be followed”, he said.