X-raying the Nigeria’s 9th Assembly, and members who shaped the future
Olufemi Salako
Triangle News International
The 9th National Assembly in Nigeria will in few weeks give way to the 10th assembly, which will see you the birth of a new legislative dispensation which is expected to consolidate on the input of the Tinubu led presidency which is built on the themed, RENEWED HOPE.
While we await this new political cum legislative dispensation, it’s important that we take a pause to appreciate the contributions of the 9th assembly towards our national growth and development.
The 9th National Assembly in Nigeria made remarkable progress in its legislative functions, providing critical oversight, promoting inclusivity and diversity, and initiating projects aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
In terms of representation, the 9th Assembly has made significant progress in promoting gender equality and diversity in politics. The number of women in the Assembly has increased, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has been at the forefront of this push for inclusivity in the political space.
While we celebrate these highly significant contributions, it’s important to acknowledge the Lawmakers both in the Red and Green Chamber who have made these possible. Starting with the outgoing Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, asides from leading the Red Chamber admirably well, Lawan was instrumental to pushing forth for the enactment of various bills into laws which no doubt contributed to the growth and development of Nigeria.
This can also be said of his counterpart in the Green Chamber, Femi Gbajabiamila, the astute politician and administrator has shown great brilliance and class in leading the lower house. He played a key role in leading the house in passing important legislation such as the Petroleum Industry Bill, Police Reform Bill, and the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020. Also his role in the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the president elect is one which will always be remembered and highly commended by the majority.
Also, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who represents Abia North Senatorial District. He has been an active participant in the legislative activities of the assembly, serving as the Chief Whip of the Senate. He has also sponsored several bills and motions aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. Some of his notable contributions include sponsoring the bill for the establishment of the National Food Reserve Agency and calling for the establishment of more industries to create jobs and boost the economy.
Also, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, representing Akoko North East/ North West Federal Constituency, is another brilliant lawmaker whose contributions in the Green Chamber cannot be undermined. Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC and has been instrumental in investigating the alleged financial mismanagement in the commission. His constituent projects are one which has continued to earn him both international and local accolades.
Another Lawmaker is Hon. Ade Adeogun, from Akoko South East/Akoko South West constituency, he is a member of several committees including the House Committee on Power, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and National Security and Intelligence. He was actively involved in the oversight functions of these committees and has advocated for the provision of adequate infrastructure, security, and social amenities for his constituents.
Sen. Tolu Odebiyi, from Ogun West senatorial is another brilliant senator who made his mark, asides his legislative duties which was excellently done, the Tolu Odebiyi foundation was one which helped in no small measure members of his community positively well. Also, Sen. Muhammed Sani Musa, CON, representing Niger East brought to the 9th Assembly values which has earned him the respect of his colleagues and admiration of the people.
He sponsored over 15 impacting bills, notable among them are; Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill, 2019 (SB. 132), Teaching Hospital Development Tax Fund (Est, etc) Bill, 2019 (SB 136), North Central Development Commission (Est, etc) Bill, 2019 (SB 173), Rape and Insurgency Victims Stigmatization (Prohibition) Bill, 2019 (SB 243), Loan Recovery (Regulations) Bill, 2020 (SB 492), Nigeria Wards Development Fund Bill, 2020 (SB. 570), Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill, 2021 (SB. 610), many others.
Another notable name is Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, lawmaker representing Ileoluji Okeigbo/Odigbo at the Green Chamber, who was responsible for sponsoring several bills which significantly contributed to the growth and development of his constituents. He was responsible for sponsoring the bill on the creation of a National Youth Service Trust Fund. The bill, sponsored by Mayowa Akinfolarin seeks to compel all organized private entities to contribute one per cent of their net profit to the fund. In addition, 0.2 per cent of total revenue accruing to the federation account will fund the entity.
Senator Opeymi Bamidele from Ekiti Central Senatorial district is another lawmaker who has through his legislative contributions carved a niche for himself in the lexicon of success and social transformation, thanks to his valuable contributions to his senatorial district, his people have continued to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Also Sen. Abba Moro from Benue South is another lawmaker who has earned himself public accolades, he sponsored 12, moved 11 motions and submitted five petitions in less than four years, with visible representation on the floor of the Senate.
Another worthy member of the Red Chamber is Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who represented Lagos west senatorial district, records has it that he has used his tenure at the red chamber to pursue programmes and policies that will enhance the fortunes of the senatorial district. Adeola was reputed to have been instrumental to the enactment of the law that strengthened the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, a legislation that catapulted the revenue of the state from N5 billion monthly to over N20 billion.
Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero, is another senator with a compelling track record in the red chamber, the former governor of Kebbi State to the admiration of the majority replicated the successes recorded by him in the 9th assembly among his senatorial district.
We must also recognize the contributions of Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North, the much respected political giant is one of the most outstanding lawmakers who have continued to contribute to the nation’s development through legislative policies as well as their community development projects across their senatorial district. He was one of the few figures whom the red chamber could always look up to for guidance given his wealth of experience.
Sen. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, is another figure in the 9th assembly whose influence cannot be undermined, his contributions to polity and national development speaks loud of his honorable intention for Nigeria, Sen. Elijah Abbo was another prominent lawmaker who has been regarded as the youngest senator in the house, to the benefit of the Nigerian people and his constituents, the proactive lawmaker has continued to give his voice to pushing for policies which has continued to strengthen our democracy.
Same can also be said of Senator Barau Jibril, from Kano North, the political heavyweight is among the very few senators with a proven track record of serving remarkably and exceptionally in running the Senate businesses and chairing the appropriation committee that drives the success of the APC government.
We cannot forget in a hurry the valuable contributions of the first lady in waiting, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu who served in the 9th assembly representing Lagos Central, while she was a voice for women advocacy in the house, she was also instrumental in advancing policies which has in no small measures strengthened our democracy.
Another influential and high ranking lawmaker in the Green Chamber is, Hon. Abass Tajudeen, representing Zaria constituency, Kaduna, he has been adjudged as the lawmaker who sponsored the highest bill in the house. He has distinguished himself as the only federal lawmaker from the North-West who has thus far sponsored unprecedented 74 bills.
Hon. Babajimi Benson from Ikorodu federal constituency, is another lawmaker with an impressive portfolio in the 9th assembly, his perchance for grassroots development has seen him attracts various community development projects for his people. Among the bills he has passed includes the bill for an Act to provide special financial support, training and modern security equipment for the revamping of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Deserving a spot on this list is Hon. Aliyu Betara, representing Biu, Bayo, Kwaya Kusara and Shani Federal Constituency, He has been rated as one of the most successful members of the 9th Assembly in terms of parliamentary activities, and this success story resonated with his immediate federal constituency where his effective representation at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly is felt directly.
Hon, Leke Abejide representing Yagba East/West/Mopamuro constituency, Kogi State, is another notable mention, since assumption into office in 2019, he has sponsored several bills, facilitated empowerment projects which has covered over 3000 constituents, among other infrastructural projects which has earned him public accolades and commendation.
Also Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency, the now Governor-elect of Niger State was a formidable figure in the house, he was known to be fearless and brilliant in his dealing, no doubt he moved on to become the choice of his people as the governor in Niger state.
Hon. Timilehin Adelegbe, representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, he has sponsored bills and moved motions that have in no mean measure substantially improved the lots of greater number of the people in his federal constituency. He has equally promoted the economic wellbeing and social status of his constituents, while he has also attracted developmental projects to Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.
Also Sen. Biodun Olujimi is another senator from Ekiti Central Constituency who’s made highly remarkable strides in the red chamber, despite been a lady, she showed much courage to thrive among her contemporaries, while she also delivered beautifully well for her people.
Same can be said of Sen. Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial district, He is one of the few who are effective, and has mastered what eludes so much of the upper chamber. He has a reputation on both sides of the aisle for being genuine, go-getter, charismatic and generous.
Sen. Sani is truly a parliamentarian and moderate type who has always provided balance and a reasoned voice at the Chamber.
Another respectable member of the 9th Assembly whose valuable contributions will always be commended is Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
His performance in the outgoing 9th Assembly in no small measure helped the National Assembly to record a profound impact, his willingness to take on challenging task and persevere in the face of obvious obstacles will continue to be an inspiration to the majority
It is also important to acknowledge the immense contributions of Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, representing Ondo North Senatorial District, a review of Borrofice’s record of political leadership spanning over a decade is, in part, a reminder of how much sacrifice and risk he has taken in his career to rise to his present height.
Another honorable mention is Hon. Aliyu Magaji Dau from Buji/Birnin Kudu, with an excellent track record in the 9th assembly, his projects across the 248 polling units in his constituency all bears marks of his quality representation, his contributions on the floor of the house is one which has continued to earn him the praise of the majority.
Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa is another well important lawmaker in the house, the highly influential figure who served as the Majority leader will always be remembered and respected for his exemplary leadership qualities and courage which helped him stand out in the house, just like others mentioned, his contributions was highly important in bring out the beauty of our democratic institution as well as the legacies of the 9th assembly.
