Female lawmaker Rep. Onuoha, topped the Imo state bills sponsorship chart as five others had no bill in one year of the 10th assembly
The push for increased female representation in parliaments worldwide continues to be a focal point in the fight against global gender inequality. In Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, the need for gender inclusivity remains pressing, as only 20 female parliamentarians currently serve out of the 469 members. Despite this underrepresentation, female lawmakers are making significant strides, with Rep. Mariam Onuaha from Imo State leading the charge in bill sponsorship among the 13 Imo representatives in 10th National Assembly.
Rep. Onuoha, the sole female out of 10 House of Representatives members from Imo State, sponsored 23 bills in the first year of the 10th assembly, the highest from her state. Notably, three of her bills have already been passed by the House, while the rest are in various stages of consideration, mostly awaiting a second reading. Her legislative prowess and dedication to parliamentary duties were further underscored by her bid for the position of Speaker at the beginning of the 10th House, a role historically dominated by men.
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OrderPaper’s analysis of the 10th National Assembly’s performance from June 2023 to May 2024 revealed that Imo lawmakers collectively sponsored 75 bills out of the 1,650 introduced in the assembly during its first year. However, the majority of these bills remain stalled at the first reading, highlighting a broader issue of slow legislative progress.
In the Senate, Imo’s three senators Osita Izonaso (APC Imo West), Onyewuchi Francis (APC Imo East), and Ndubuze Chiwuba (APC Imo North) collectively sponsored 14 bills. However, all 14 bills have yet to progress beyond the first reading. Senator Ndubuze Chiwuba, a first-term senator, led the pack with eight bills, while his more experienced colleagues, Senators Izunaso and Francis, sponsored two and four bills, respectively.
In the House of Representatives, beyond Rep. Onuoha’s remarkable performance, there was a significant disparity in bill sponsorship among Imo’s male lawmakers. First-term lawmaker Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, known for his involvement as the spokesperson for the controversial G-60 PDP group, sponsored 15 bills, all of which are still awaiting a second reading. Rep. Okere Chinedu and Rep. Nwogu Matthew followed with 10 and 8 bills, respectively, also stuck at the second reading stage. Meanwhile, first-term Rep. Amadi Etinosa recorded five bills, none of which have made significant progress.
Alarmingly, several Imo lawmakers have yet to sponsor a single bill after one year in office. Second-term members Rep. Okafor Chike John, Rep. Chinedu Martins, and Rep. Nwadike Anozie, along with first-term members Rep. Dibiagwu Okechukwu and Rep. Nwachukwu Chukwugozie, have no bills to their names. This pattern of inactivity raises questions about the effectiveness and dedication of these lawmakers.
While lawmaking is one of the core responsibility of lawmakers aside representation and oversight, it is imperative that bills advance to become a law, as bill sponsorship is measured not only by quantity but by value, impact and progress of the bills.
The slow pace of bill progression in both chambers of the National Assembly, particularly in Imo’s representation, highlights the need for greater urgency and commitment to the legislative process.
STAR CHECK: Find out more about Imo State lawmakers in the National Assembly here
10th NASS Report Card: Read up on the performance scorecards of senators, members of the House and specialised categories here
