One of the most intriguing trends revealed by OrderPaper’s detailed report card is the high number of stagnated bills in the legislative pipeline for long
It is not unusual for bills to take time to progress to the final stage, but when this becomes a trend with most bills stuck in the early stages, you start to ask questions. In this article, we dive into the “stagnated bills” trend revealed by OrderPaper’s detailed data-driven analysis.
To understand this, it’s essential to know how a bill becomes a law. After a bill is introduced in the National Assembly, it must pass through several stages before becoming law. The first reading is the formal introduction stage, where the bill’s short title is read on the floor of the chamber during plenary. While the second reading is the first opportunity for lawmakers to debate the bill. Being stuck awaiting the second reading means that only the short title of the bill has been read out, and the bill is still awaiting its first debate. Without passing this stage, a bill cannot move forward to committee review or further discussions.
The 10th Senate sponsored a total of 475 bills throughout the year in review (June 2023 – May 2024), showing lawmakers’ enthusiasm for drafting and sponsoring bills. However, a significant number of these bills remain stuck, awaiting the second reading, where they would be debated on the floor of the senate for the first time. Some senators stand out for the number of stagnated bills they have in their name.
At the top of the list is Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC), representing Cross River South. At just 38 years old, he is the youngest senator in the red chamber, a fact that caught the attention of many when he took office in 2023. With 13 bills, Asuquo has one of the highest bill volumes in the senate. However, despite his enthusiasm, all his bills are still awaiting second reading.
READ ALSO: 10TH NASS REPORT CARD: Youngest senator, rep post most bills from Cross River.
Right behind Ekpenyong is Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State and now representing Abia North Senatorial District. With 12 bills to his name, Orji Kalu also has one of the highest bill volumes in the Senate. However, despite his political history, it is surprising that, like Ekpenyong, all his bills are still awaiting second reading. There have been criticisms about the National Assembly being a “retirement home” for ex-governors, and with report cards like this, one can only draw certain conclusions.
Another notable senator with stagnated bills is Banigo Harry, representing Rivers West Senatorial District. Banigo stands out not only because she is one of the most active senator in terms of bill volume, but also because she is the female senator with the highest number of bills in the senate, with a total of 11 bills. Despite being the most active female Senator sponsoring bills, all her bills are still stuck awaiting second reading. It is also notable that she is the immediate past deputy governor of Rivers state.
READ ALSO: 10TH NASS REPORT CARD: How the 20 female senators and reps fared in one year
The trend continues with Sen. Nwoko Munir Ned (PDP, Delta North), who has sponsored 10 bills, all awaiting second reading. Similarly, Sen. Khalid Mustapha (PDP, Kaduna North) and Sen. Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central) each have 9 stagnated bills. Other senators caught in this trend include Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East), who has sponsored 8 bills; Sahabi Ya’u (APC, Zamfara North); and Titus Zam (APC, Benue North West), who have each sponsored 6 bills; and lastly, Nasir Daura (APC, Katsina North) has sponsored 5 bills, all of which are still awaiting second reading.
The fact that so many bills are stuck at this stage suggests several factors might be at play. Are certain bills and their sponsors being favoured? Are newer senators finding it difficult to navigate the legislative process? Or do some lawmakers become comfortable after merely having bills to their name, not caring if they ultimately become law ?
While it is still early days for the 10th Senate, this trend underscores the need for a more committed approach from the lawmakers, not only to sponsor bills but also to see them through the entire legislative process, for meaningful impact. Although this responsibility lies with the lawmakers, citizens have a role to play in holding them accountable and ensuring these bills don’t languish in the early stages by asking the right questions and questioning their priorities.
Stay tuned to the 10th National Assembly’s database to track your lawmakers’ activities and to arm yourself with the knowledge needed for informed decisions.
10th NASS Report Card: Read up on the performance scorecards of other senators, members of the House and specialised categories here.
