10th NASS REPORT CARD: Bauchi youngest rep sponsors highest stagnant bills

Bauchi state reps in the 10th NASS have pumped up the volume of bills but lead largely from behind in value and progression

There has been an increased call for youth inclusion in political decision-making especially at the national assembly. This is because there are expectations young individuals will introduce new, innovative and unique ideas into the system, drawing increased interest from youths in the country amongst other benefits.

The national assembly in recent times has not only seen an increased number of youths but also notable performances from them.

Rep Manu Soro who represents Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency of Bauchi state, ranks as one of the top 10 bill sponsors in the House with 23 bills. However, a detailed and data driven analysis done by OrderPaper shows that despite this impressive number of bills sponsored by Soro, 100 percent of his bills are stuck at first reading stage.

READ ALSO: Governance: 7 steps of how bills become laws

This shows that there has been a painfully zero progression of his bills. As important as it may be to sponsor bills which is a key aspect of lawmaking, the number of bills sponsored by an individual may not be counted as being effective but by the values and progressions of the bills.

READ ALSO: 10th NASS Report Card: Akpabio sponsors 2 bills in 1 year

Similarly, Reps Kabiru Alhaji and Auwalu Gwalabe who sponsored 2 and 1 bill respectively also have all of their bills at first reading stage while Rep. Leko Gambo, who sponsored 3 bills, has 33.3 percent of his bills awaiting report and 66.6 percent at first reading stage. The other 5 members in the state sponsored no bill between June 2023 and May 2024.

In the Senate, Sen. Abdul Ningi, being a ranking member in the national assembly, having served 3 terms in the House of Representatives and currently serving his 2nd term in the Senate, sponsored no bill in the period under review.

First term senator Samaila Kaila also sponsored no bill while Umar Buba sponsored five bills of which 60 percent are still stuck at first reading stage.

STAR Check: Find out more about all Bauchi State lawmakers in the National Assembly here.

10th NASS Report Card: Read up on the performance scorecards of other senators, members of the house and specialised categories here.