Niger Assembly confirms Agwara as commissioner amid controversy

The Niger State House of Assembly has confirmed Barrister Ahmed Bello Agwara as commissioner following the earlier suspension of his screening over allegations of betrayal and breach of trust.

Agwara’s screening was suspended on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, when the Chief Whip of the Assembly, Mohammed Abubakar, rsised the charge against him..

The former four-term legislator from Agwara Local Government Area was accused of using Assembly documents he obtained to support a lawsuit against the House without exhausting internal mechanisms. The chief whip said the act raised concerns about his suitability for the role of commissioner.

Members of the House, who echoed the same sentiments with Abubakar, claimed Agwara’s action was contrary to his oath of office and it will be a disservice to the House for him to be screened for the appointment.

Similarly, they raised concerns about his membership status with the All Progressive Congress, APC, alleging that he had not properly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Agwara served his constituency under the PDP for 16 before defecting to the APC.

Against this backdrop, the House temporarily halted his nomination, but after reviewing documents and interrogating Agwara in an executive session, his nomination as commissioner was confirmed at a resumed sitting on Wednesday.

Speaking after his confirmation, Agwara thanked Governor Umaru Bago for the nomination and the Assembly for their reconsideration, pledging to support the administration and serve the state diligently.

The commissioner nominee also described the House as “his political home” while stating that the suspension was a misunderstanding.

Agwara is among the 30 nominees forwarded by Governor Bago to the House for approval.

Niger Assembly confirms Agwara as commissioner amid controversy