Eight out of fourteen lawmakers from Sokoto state failed to sponsor a bill as eleven Reps and three senators had 22 bills in one year
Aside from oversight and representation. the core function of the legislature is lawmaking for the good governance and well-being of Nigerian citizens and residents.
Members of the 10th Senate and House of Representatives processed a total number of 1,650 bills in one year. Out of which, lawmakers representing Sokoto state account for 22 bills representing 1.21 percent. However, 90 percent of these bills are still at the level of first reading while a mere 5 percent are awaiting consideration and another 5 percent are awaiting concurrence by the Senate.
According to OrderPaper’s detailed analysis on sponosred between June 2023 and May 2024, the three senators representing the state account for two (2) of the 475 bills sponsored in the Senate. The eleven (11) representatives from the state account for twenty (20) of the 1175 bills recorded in the green chamber.
Some constituents may find it disappointing that Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, representing Sokoto south sponsored only one bill in the period under review. He is the immediate past governor of the state and former speaker of the House of Representatives with lots of experience in the political space. There are a myriad of issues facing the geopolitical zone where he represents, including banditry, terrorism, millions of out-of-school children. Although, this is his first term in the senate, his wealth of legislative experience appears to be missing in terms of lawmaking so far.
Another lawmaker that felt short of expectations from many Nigerians is Sen. Aliyu Wamakko representing Sokoto north, recording only one bill as well. He is also a former governor who served between 2007 and 2015. His scorecard is below expectation as one with vast experience in politics and considering the many challenges facing the nation and the state located in the extreme North-west region of the country.
Sen. Ibrahim Lamido, a newbie representing Sokoto East, has failed to sponsor a bill in the last one year of the 10th Senate.
These House of Representatives lawmakers recorded zero bill in the period under review: Reps. Yakubu Sani representing Ta gaza/Gudu, Shehu Bodinga, Yusuf Yabo representing Yabo/Shagari, Mohammed Bargaja representing Isa/Sabon-Birni, Abdullahi Kalambaina representing Kware/Wamako, Mani Katami representing Bini/Silame, and Hassan Abubakar representing Sokoto North/Sokoto South.
Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, Rep. Aliyu Almustapha representing Wurno/Rabah sponsored thirteen (13) of the 22 bills recorded by lawmakers from the state putting him very much ahead. He is a ranking member serving his second tenure. Although, 100 percent of the bills are stagnant being that there are still at first reading stage. Rep. Isah Ambaruru representing Illela/Gwadabawa, and Rep. Dasuki Abdussamad all account for three (3) bills each.
Rep. Usman Basiru representing Gorongo/Gada accounted for just one bill and he is a newbie.
STAR Check: Find out more about all Sokoto lawmakers in the National Assembly here.
10th NASS REPORT CARD: Read up on the performance scorecard of other senators, members of the House on specialised categories here
