63 of the 64 bills sponsored by 15 senators from the south-south geopolitical zone of the country are stuck at first reading
63 of the 64 bills sponsored by 15 of the 18 senators from the geo-political region are awaiting a second reading, the implication being that only 1 (one) has made progressed in the senate floor. This substantial backlog indicates either significant institutional delays in the legislative progress or a disturbing indolence on the part of the senators. In any case, it underscores the need for more proactive measures to advance bills through the system.
The proposed laws by the 15 senators who have bills focus on sectors like agriculture, food security, commerce, industry and investment, education, petroleum, maritime affairs, solid minerals, social welfare, security, law and order, health, anti-corruption and financial crimes, constitutional amendments, social services, public sector governance, and energy.
The three senators without bills from the zone in the period under review are: Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South) and Onyesoh Allwell (PDP, Rivers East). The lone female senator from the zone is Banigo-Harry Ipalibo (PDP, Rivers West). The senator with the highest number of bills is Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC, Cross River) with the total of 13 bills. He doubles as the youngest senator in the Senate.
Despite the region’s wealth in natural resources and economic potential, the considerable legislative backlog, with 63 bills awaiting a second reading, highlights the slow pace of legislative reforms. There must be increased engagement from lawmakers to push critical bills through the legislative process and address the urgent challenges the region faces.
10th NASS Report Card: Read up on the performance of other senators and members of House and other specialized categories here
