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12 Senators from 9 Northern States Fail to Sponsor Any Bill in 15 Months

No fewer than 12 senators representing different senatorial zones in northern Nigeria have failed to sponsor any bill in the 10th Senate in the first 15 months of their legislative engagements.

WikkiTimes analysis revealed that the senators hail from Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba and Yobe States of northeastern Nigeria. Others are from Katsina and Sokoto states of Northwest while others come from Niger and Plateau States.

In a democracy, lawmakers are entrusted with the responsibility of crafting and sponsoring legislation that addresses the needs and aspirations of their constituents. 

Yet, according to StatiSense, an AI data company, from the first year of the 10th National Assembly, 18 Nigerian Senators failed to sponsor a single bill. The 10th Senate was inaugurated on June 13, 2023.

Among these lawmakers, 12 hail from northern Nigeria, a region facing critical challenges such as insecurity, poverty, and poor infrastructure affecting the region’s development and the well-being of its residents.

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Constituents Share Common Challenges

All zones virtually share common setbacks that need government intervention. High poverty rates are prevalent in most of the zones the lawmakers represent, with many households lacking access to basic needs compounded by high levels of unemployment, particularly among youth.

They also suffer from a lack of access to quality healthcare services, often underfunded, poorly staffed, and lack essential medical supplies.

Low educational attainment with many children, especially girls, have no access to education due to poverty, and the lack of adequate school infrastructure. Poor teacher quality and a shortage of qualified teachers exacerbate this challenge, affecting literacy and skill development.

Insecurity also remains a pressing challenge that engulfed almost the entire Northern region, driven by banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes. The region has seen an uptick in criminal activities, which affects daily life, deters investment, and worsens socioeconomic conditions.

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Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for the majority of the populace in these zones, but the sector is largely underdeveloped.

Issues such as poor access to modern farming equipment, lack of irrigation, and inconsistent agricultural policies make farming less productive. Additionally, land conflicts between farmers and herders remain a significant source of tension in the region.

Most zones suffer from poor road networks, inadequate water supply, and unreliable electricity, thus, hindering economic growth, limiting access to markets, and reducing the overall quality of life.

Senators with Zero Bill at a Glance: North East

Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central, PDP): Senator Ningi, a seasoned politician, also failed to sponsor any bill, which raises questions about the effectiveness of his representation. In March, the Senate suspended Senator Ningi for three months for alleging that Nigeria’s 2024 budget was padded, at a media interview.

The controversy surrounding the 2024 budget was re-ignited by this allegation that it was padded to the tune of about N3.7 trillion, representing more than 10% of the N28.78 trillion budget. He was later recalled after heightened criticism.

Samaila Kaila (Bauchi North, PDP): The lawmaker is representing a zone also in dire need of infrastructural and social development. 

Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North, APC): Despite being a former Senate President and a key figure in the legislative process, Senator Lawan’s absence from bill sponsorship in the first year can raise concerns about his continued influence and priorities in the Senate.

Musa Mustapha (Yobe East, APC):  Representing a region grappling with security and developmental challenges.

Manu Haruna (Taraba Central, PDP): Taraba Central, with its numerous agricultural and ethnic diversity challenges, would have benefited from targeted legislative initiatives, which remain absent under Senator Haruna’s tenure.

Amos Yohanna (Adamawa North, PDP): Adamawa North faces both security and economic challenges. Senator Yohanna’s inactivity in sponsoring any bill may dash the hopes of the constituents.

North West

Ibrahim Lamido (Sokoto East, APC): Senator Lamido’s failure to sponsor any bills comes at a time when Sokoto, a state struggling with banditry and poor infrastructure, requires more legislative attention.

Muntari Dandutse (Katsina South, APC): Katsina South, at the epicenter of banditry and insecurity in northern Nigeria, could greatly benefit from proactive legislative action. Senator Dandutse’s absence from bill sponsorship is no doubt a setback.

Abubakar Yari (Zamfara West, APC): Zamfara State has been plagued by insecurity, yet Senator Yari has not sponsored any bills to look on ways to address the issue, leaving his constituents more vulnerable.

North Central

Pam Nwadkon (Plateau North, ADP): The Plateau region has historically suffered from violent conflicts and economic challenges. Senator Nwadkon’s legislative inaction is a missed opportunity to push for peace-building and development policies.

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Simon Lalong (Plateau South, APC): A former governor of Plateau State, Senator Lalong was expected to bring robust governance experience to the Senate. However, his lack of bill sponsorship undermines expectations of his legislative role.

Jiya Ndalikali (Niger South, PDP): Niger South continues to face security issues, especially from bandits and kidnappers. Senator Ndalikali’s lack of legislative contribution can be a disappointment for his constituents.

Other Non-Northern (six) Senators on the list are Onyesoh Allwell (Rivers East, PDP), Ani Okorie (Ebonyi South, APC), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North, APC), Kelvin Chizoba (Enugu East, LP), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central, LP) and Neda Imasuen (Edo South, LP). 

Analysts suggest that the failure of lawmakers to sponsor any meaningful legislative process highlights a disconnection between their roles as representatives and the pressing needs of their constituencies reflecting a broader issue of legislative inefficiency and political complacency. 

While the role of a senator is multifaceted, legislative activity – particularly the sponsorship of bills – is a crucial measure of effectiveness. 

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