Ekpenyong may have sponsored an impressive number of bills but all are still at the 1st reading stage like others from Cross River state
Nigeria has become a hotspot for debate as to whether it is best to keep voting in the older generation into politics based on their life experiences or to vote in the younger generation due to their vibrance and intellect.
Interestingly, the Not-Too-Young-to-Run bill, signed into law by former President Muhammad Buhari on May 31st, 2018, paved the way for the participation of more young people in politics by reducing the age limits for running in elections, allowing young people to start their political careers early.
An in-depth analysis conducted by OrderPaper reveals that Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong who is the youngest senator appears to be representing his constituents creditably in the senate. However, all of his bills are still at the first reading stage, indicating a lack of progress in advancing his bills.
Out of a total of 18 bills sponsored by Cross River senators, Ekpenyong, sponsored the highest number. With a total of 13 bills to his name, Ekpenyong who is a first term lawmaker, also sponsored the highest number of bills among all newbies in the senate.
READ ALSO: 10TH NASS: Top 10 newbies to look out for in the Senate to look out for
Senator Eteng Jonah sponsored 3 bills while Jarigbe Jarigbe sponsored 2 bills, all still at first reading stage.
In the House of Representatives, Rep. Egbona Alex sponsored 16 bills with 25 percent passed for concurrence, 12.5 percent awaiting report and 62.5 percent at 2nd reading stage. Reps Akiba Ekpenyong, Abang Bisong and Inyang Lemke sponsored 3 bills each while Rep. Bassey Joseph sponsored 4 bills.
While Reps Godwin Ekpo and Irom Michael sponsored 2 and 1 bills respectively, Rep Peter Akpanke sponsored zero bills in the period under review.
STAR Check: Find out more about all Cross River 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.