NIGER’s new ruler, Major Daouda Mallam Wanke, has reappointed Prime Minister Ibrahim Mayaki and taken other steps to return the country to civilian rule, national radio announced on Tuesday. Wanke (49) who took over after President Ibrahim Bare Mainassara was assassinated last Friday, “reappointed, for the transitional period, Prime Minister Ibrahim Mayaki,” it said. The decision was made after consultation with Niger’s political parties and was “approved by all, unanimously,” it said. Wanke, head of the presidential guard which gunned down Mainassara, was named head of state on Sunday by the council, for a declared transition period of nine months. The council comprises 14 military officers and is chaired by Wanke himself.