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To mark today's sixth anniversary of the nation's renascent democracy and in continuation of our serial on mid-term assessment of political office holders, which we began three weeks ago with a low down on the performance of ministers, this week we attempt an examination of how our distinguished senators and honourable members have fared.
To mark today's sixth anniversary of the nation's renascent democracy and in continuation of our serial on mid-term assessment of political office holders, which we began three weeks ago with a low down on the performance of ministers, this week we attempt an examination of how our distinguished senators and honourable members have fared. Kola Ologbondiyan who has been covering the senate in the past four years looked at the scorecard of the 109 Senators bringing out in the process those who have distinguished themselves and those others who continually warm the bench while AHAmefula OGBU takes the House of Representatives that comprise 360 members as a body, highlighting occasional individual spectacular performance of the honourable members. They also identify those who sponsored bills and motions as well as those who speak often and make positive contributions to the work of their respective legislative houses.
House of Reps
Overview:
The primary duty of the House is to make laws for the good governance of the country as well as to ensure that the resources of the country are applied in ways that would bring maximum benefit to Nigerians, which could be said to be a utilitarian function. It is in addition, constitutionally imbued with the duty to oversee the Executive organ of government.
A summary of the works of the House so far shows that between June 2003 when the House began legislative business and now, the Executive has submitted 71 bills out of which 35 have been passed while out of the 80 private member bills only eight have been passed into law. Senate bills received stand at four and two of which have been passed into law.
Of the bills submitted to the House, 25 is still undergoing second reading while 39 were referred to relevant Committees out of which 20 have made it through the Committees and have been laid on the table before the House. This brings to 43, the number of bills so far passed by the House while it rejected 17 of them. Of the 17, six came from the Executive while 11 are private member bills. Within the same period, they adopted 13 conference reports.
Bills:
In the first session of the House, which started June 3, 2003 under the Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, it received 83 bills out of which 44 were Executive bills. Members sponsored 37 of them while the Senate bills were two. Out of these, only 28 of the bills were passed and all, Executive bills.
The second session started July 27, 2004 and the House received a total of 72 bills. Of the number, 27 came from the Executive while private member bills increased from 37 in the first session to 43 while Senate bills remained two in number. They passed 16 of them with private member bills topping the chart with eight, followed by the Executive bills, which were seven and one from the Senate.
While the House did not receive any treaty for ratification in the first session, it got 22 out of which 13 were ratified, seven referred to relevant Committees while it had Committee works completed on them and laid on the table for consideration of the Committee of whole House and possible adoption and ratification.
Their Sponsors:
Detailed here are those members who sponsored bills and not that of the executive; hence, the list of bills sponsored by the executive may not be listed.
Hon. Jerry Sony Ugokwe:
Though he has lost his seat for Idemili North/South federal Constituency, Anambra State in the Elections Appeal Tribunal, within the first session of the House he sponsored the highest number of bill having 12 in his kitty. His first bill to come to the house was the "Faculty Management Institute of Nigeria Bill, 2003" It debuted on July 24, 2003 the same day he brought the "Freedom of Information Bill, 2003". He thereafter followed with the "Lobbyist Registration Bill, 2003 on August 27, 2003 and one month after, with the "Palm Oil Development Fund Bill, 2003".
He also has to his credit the sponsorship of "Handicapped persons (Public Buildings) Special Facilities Bill, 2003 which also appeared the same day of October 28, 2003 with the "National Social Security Board Bill. A month after, he came up with the "Erosion Control Commission Bill 2003". On December 16, 2003, he sponsored his last bill in the 2003 session with the "Battered Women Support Services Bill, 2003". In January 2004, he opened the year with "Corrosive Acid Prohibition Bill", "Cult and Secret Society (Prohibition) Bill 2003" as well as "Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and other Ancillary Matters) Bill, 2004 all on the same day. His last bill for the first session was the "Electronic Messages Information and Commerce and its Admissibility in Evidence Bill, 2004.
Hon. Bako Sarai:
He represents Dawakin-Kudu/Warara federal constituency of Kano State and ranks second with the sponsorship of five bills. They are "Agriculture Input (Provision of subsidy) Bill 2003", "Shelter Belt Project Bill 2003 and the "Federal Universities of Agriculture and Rural Development Bill 2003". Others are "Guaranteed Minimum Price for Farmers Authority Bill, 2003" and "Agriculture (Provision of Budget Allocation) Bill, 2003.
Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa:
He represents Arochukwu/Ohafia federal Constituency, Abia State and has two bills in the first session to his credit. They are "Nigerian Institute of Animal Science" and "Chartered Institute of Certified Secretaries and Reporters of Nigeria Bill, 2003"
Hon. Chudi Ofodile:
He represents Awka Federal Constituency and was at the time of this report, still battling with the validation of his electoral mandate, which the petition tribunal at Awka voided. He sponsored the "Nigerian Content Development Bill, 2003" and the "Armed Forces Service Commission (Establishment) Bill 2003.
Hon. Ahmed Lawan:
Representing Bade/Jokusko Federal Constituency of Yobe State, Lawan has two bills standing to his credit and they are "Desertification (Control) Commission Bill, 2004" and "Industrial Waste Water, Pollution etc, (Control) Bill, 2004.
Hon. Solomon Agidani:
He represents Ara/Aguta Federal Constituency of Benue State and sponsored two bills also. They are the "Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment) Bill 2003 and the "Federal Road Safety Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2003.
Hon. Mercy Almona-Isei:
She represents Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in Delta State and is the female legislator in the first session to sponsor two Bills. The Bills are "Environmental Managers Registration Council of Nigeria Bill, 2003" and the "Federal Environmental Protection Agency (repeal) Bill 2004".
Others:
Members who sponsored a Bill each in the first session are Hon H. A.B Fashinro and Hon Duro Meseko, "Chartered Institute of Aviation Management of Nigeria Bill, 2003", Hon Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki with 53 others "National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (amendment) Bill 2003", Hon Baba Ahmed Y.D and 9 others "Contracts Awards (Standard and uniform profit margins) Bill", Hon Oluwole Oke, "Maritime Defence Levies Bill 2003".
Others are Hon Abdulazeez Idris King, "Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management Bill, 2003, Hon Austin Opara, the Deputy Speaker, "Fire (precaution and control) Bill, 2003, Hon Abdullahi Umar and five others "Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria Bill, 2003, Hon Zebulon Otokunrin Obolo "Directorate for Rural roads and Waterways Development Bill 2004 and Hon Binta Goji who co-sponsored the "Industrial Waste Water, Pollution etc (control) Bill 2004.
Second Session:
Members who sponsored bills in the second session in order of frequency were:
Hon. Bala Ibn Na'Allah:
He represents Zuru/Danko Nasagu/Fakai/Sakaba Federal Constituency of Kebbi State. He sponsored five Bills and emerged the highest in the second session and they are "Federal High Court (amendment) Bill, 2004", "Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2004", "Chartered Institute for Professional Printers of Nigeria Bill, 2004", "National Industrial Court Bill, 2005" and "Customary Court Bill, 2005".
Hon. Aminu Bello Masari:
He is the Speaker of the House and is from Katsina State. He sponsored four bills in the second session. They are "Security Services Welfare Infrastructure Development Commission Bill 2004", "Armed forces (secondary role) Bill 2004", the Refineries and Products Regulatory Commission Bill, 2004" and "The Reserve Forces of Nigeria Bill, 2004".
Hon. Halims Ochuko Agoda:
He represents Ethiope Federal Constituency and sponsored two bills in the second session. They are "Small Business Administration (Establishment, etc) Bill 2004" and the "National Anti-Trust (Prohibition Enforcement) Bill, 2004"
Hon. Jerry Ugokwe:
He is from Anambra and sponsored the highest number of Bills during the first session. He sponsored two Bills in the second session and they are "National Center of Information Technology Bill 2004" and the "Tobacco Smoking (control) (Amendment) Bill, 2004".
Hon. Andrew Uchendu:
He is from Rivers State and sponsored two bills, "Contract Award Standard Tendering Procedure Bill, 2004" and "National Youths Development Commission Bill, 2004".
Hon. Abdul Oroh:
Represents Owan Federal Constituency of Edo State. He sponsored two bills, "Budget Implementation Monitoring and Compliance Commission Bill, 2004" and "Police Service Commission (Establishment) (Amendment) Bill, 2004".
Hon. Garba Matazu:
He still embattled over the bribery allegation involving N55 million. He represents Musawa/Mataazu Federal Constituency of Katsina State; he sponsored two Bills in the second session, "Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO Bill, 2004" and "The Institute of Cost Management Accountants, Bill, 2004".
Hon. Emeka Ihedioha:
He is from Imo State and sponsored two bills and they are "Council of Freight Forwarders Bill, 2004" and "Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria Bill, 2004".
Hon. Cairo Ojougbor:
Represents Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State, He sponsored the "Petroleum Act, Cap 350 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 (Amendment) Bill, 2004" and "Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act 1999 (Amendment) Bill, 2004".
Others:
The remaining members sponsored a Bill each in the second session of the House are Hon Peter Igbodo and five others, "Petroleum products Pricing regulatory Agency (Establishment) (Amendment) Bill, 2004; Hon. Abike Dabiri, "Journalism Practice Enhancement Bill, 2004; Hon Oluwole Adeyemi, "Indigenous Oil Companies (Regulations and Fiscal terms) Bill, 2004, "National Park Service Act (Amendment Bill) Bill, 2004; Hon Ahmed D. Aliyu, "Tobacco Control Bill, 2004"; Hon Bassey Etim, "Federal Character Commission (Amendment) Bill. 2004, Hon Monsuru Alao Owowlabi, "Law Enforcement Officials (code of conduct) Bill, 2004 and Hon Njidda Ahmed Gella, "Federal Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2004".
Others are Hon Abubakar Bawa Bwari, the Chief Whip of the House, "Compulsory Use of Safety Helmet Bill, 2004; Hon David Idoko and seven others, "Chartered Institute of Cost Management of Nigeria Bill, 2004"; Hon Ebikekeme Ere, from Bayelsa who lost his seat at the Election Appeal Tribunal, Port Harcourt, "Nigerian Coast Guard Bill, 2004"; Hon Nnanna Uzor Kalu, "Use of Mobile Phone while driving (prohibition) Bill, 2004", Hon. Y. D. Baba Ahmed, "Inflated Government Contracts (Prohibition) Bill, 2004", Hon Gideon Gwani, "Public Order Act (Amendment) Bill, 2005", Hon kayoed Jelili Amusan, "Correction and Rehabilitation Center (Establishment) Bill, 2005; Hon. Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, "Minerals and Mining Bill, 2004", and Hon Abdul Ningi, the Leader of the House, "Electoral Bill, 2004".
Within the same period, the House received 22 treaties out of which 13 were ratified, seven referred to relevant Committees and two laid on the House table. Also, of all the Bills sponsored, 17 of them were either withdrawn or negated while the number of conference reports adopted by the House stands at 13.
Motions:
Within the past two sessions of the House, it has considered 99 motions on which it took resolutions. The Leader of the House Hon Abdul Ningi sponsored the highest number of motions with 10, followed by Hon Gabriel Suswam and Hon. Halims Agoda tied at seven to their credit.
Hon. Abdul Ningi:
He is from Ningi in Niger, Bauchi State and is the leader of the House. The motions he sponsored are "Appointment, Remuneration and Allowances of Special Adviser; Increase in the Prices of Petroleum Products; Attempted Undemocratic Change of Power in Anambra State; Investigation into the Activities of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Sudden Increase in Prices of Petroleum Products; Victorious Enyimba Foot-ball Club of Abia; Security Situation in the Country; Sectarian Crisis in Plateau State; Recent Increase in Prices of petroleum Products and Demolition of Houses in Kubwa by the Federal Capital Development Authority - Report of visit to the Locus in Quo".
Hon. Gabriel Suswam:
He is from Benue State and is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He sponsored "Virement of the sum of N1, 330,000,000.00; Virement of the sum of N11, 898,000,000.00; Virement of the sum of N2, 160,000,000.00 for Federal Ministry of Communications; Virement of N2, 160,000.00 under the Federal Ministry of Communications; Virement of the sum of N200, 000,000.00; Federal Ministry of Environment, Virement of the sum of N6, 734,077,610.00 Federal Ministry of Works and Virement of the sum ofN6, 796,547,402.00 for Federal Ministry of Power and Steel".
Hon. Halims Ochuko Agoda:
He is from Delta State and is the House Chairman on Legislative Budget and Research. He sponsored "Unlawful Detention of the Deputy Governor of Delta State by the Police; Missing Detained Bunkering Ship; Cessation of Siege on the Insider Weekly Magazine; Lingering Political Crisis in Anambra State; Sudden retirement of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun; Unconstitutional Transfer of Power in the Republic of Tongo; and Matter of Urgent Public Importance: UK Visa Ban Nigerian Youths"
Hon. Celestine Nnaemeka Ughanze: He is from Anambra State and the Chairman of the Committee on Privatisation, he sponsored three motions. They are Need to condemn the Gruesome murder of six Indigenes of Bauchi State in Lantang North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; Delayed Implementation of the Privatisation Share Purchase Loan Scheme (PSPLS); and Privatisation of ALSCON
Hon. Bala Ibn Na'Allah: He is from Kebbi State and is the House Committee Chairman on Justice, he sponsored the motion on Proposed Strike by the NLC on Monday June 30, 2003; Demerger of Nigeria Police with the Federal Road Safety Corps; Sudden Increase in the Prices of Petroleum Products
Hon. Austin Adiele Opara: He is the Deputy Speaker of the House and hails from Rivers state; Opara sponsored the motions on Reconstitution of the National Assembly Joint Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution and Repudiation of foreign debts repayment.
Hon. Ahmed Salik: He is the Leader of the All Nigerian Peoples Party in the House and is from Kano State. He sponsored the motions on Burning of All Nigeria Peoples Party National Headquarters, Abuja and Violent breach of constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of movement of a group of Nigerians.
Hon. Femi Gbaja-Biamila: From Lagos State, he sponsored two motions on Derogatory Statements credited to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on the Integrity of the Senate and Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) and the federal Road Maintenance Agency.
Hon. Leo Okuwe Ogor: He is from Delta State and the Deputy Chairman of the Communications Committee. He sponsored two motions, Alleged Irregularities in the NITEL-M-Tel/Pentascope International B.V Private Ltd Management Contract Agreement and the Non-Remittance of Revenue Earned as Income by Parastatals, Commissions and Statutory Corporations owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Hon. John Enoh: He is from Cross River State and sponsored Suspended Strike action by the Academic Staff union of Universities and Suspended Strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Hon. Bawa Bwari: He is the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and from Niger State. He sponsored two motions, Monetisation for Car Allowance and Disaster from Hydro Electric Power Dam at Shiroro, Niger State.
Hon. Datti Baba Ahmed: He is from Zaria, Kaduna State. He sponsored the Provision of Medical Services to Accident Victims without necessary police Report and Matter of Urgent National Importance: Need for urgent necessary measures to curb the menace of Armed Robberies and Assassinations in Nigeria.
Hon. Haruna Yerima: He is from Borno State and sponsored two motions, Polio vaccines Controversy, and the 2005 Hajj Operations.
Hon. Ita Enang: He comes from Akwa Ibom State and is the Committee Chairman on Rules and Business. He sponsored Adoption of Special Order 1, 2003 and Matter requiring immediate attention of the House: Kubwa Residents Association.
Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa: He is from Arochukwu in Abia State and the Chairman of the Committee on Inter and Intra Party Relationship. He sponsored the motions on Landslide in Parts of Arochukwu-Ohafia federal Constituency and co-sponsored the Pipeline Fire Outbreak in Isiukwuato in Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State.
Others: This batch sponsored a motion each within the period under review. They are Hon Cairo Ojougbor Boundary disputes between Ogori and Ekpedo Communities in Kogi and Edo States, Hon Olaka Nwogu, Increases in Prices of Petroleum Products, Hon Uche Maduako, Pipeline fire outbreak in Isiukwuato in Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State, Hon. turned Akogun and Hon Abdulazeez Idris King Outbreak of Hostilities between Ogori and Ekpedo communities in Kogi State" Hon Isa Saidu and Hon Bako Sarai, "Immediate sale of fertilizer to farmers", Hon Jeol Danlami and four others, "Procurement of vehicles for the 8th All African games", Hon Paul Adeh Adeh, "Flood, Erosion and Landslide in Obudu, Cross river State, Hon Jerry Ugokwe and 76 others, "Operation lapses in GSM system in Nigeria", Hon Nicolas Mutu "The lingering Warri Crisis", Hon Clever Ikisikpo, "Oil Museum Project", Hon Emeka Ihedioha, "Need to monitor operations of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency and Ensure Accountability of Funds realised from Toll gates", Hon Mohammed Umaru Kumalia and 35 others, "Need to resuscitate the Lake Chad Basin", Hon Abdullahi Umar Farouk and 46 others "rehabilitation of Federal Roads in Kebbi States vide Appropriation Acts, 2001 and 2002", Hon Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi and 11 others, "Unsatisfactory and Defective Renovation Work on the Legislative Quarters, Apo, Abuja and Hon James Baitaachi and eight others, "Armed robbery attack on the Niger State",
Members who also sponsored a motion each are Hon Mohammed Bello Suleiman and 26 others" Gully Erosion in Kumo Town", Hon Ahmed Lawan and 37 others, "Special Operations combat Armed banditry in North East Nigeria", Hon Terngu Tsegba and 10 others "Expired bombs at the Tactical Air Command Headquarters, Makurdi, Benue State", Hon Hamisu Shira and 65 others "Urging the relevant authorities in Nigeria to conduct Local Government Elections without further delay", Hon Andrew Uchendu and 11 others, "Rehabilitation of Ogbakiri Town in Rivers state torn by communal conflict", Hon Chris Oghenechovwen and 10 others, "Complete rehabilitation of Delta Steel Company, Aladja", and Hon Peter Igbodo and nine others, "Petroleum Tax for Road Maintenance".
The rest are Hon Harry Oranezi, "Burning of NAFDAC offices and installations in Lagos and Kaduna", Hon Usman Balkore and 28 others, "Quiller birds and locusts destruction of farm lands in 15 Local Government Areas of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States", Hon Gilbert Nnaji, Deputy Leader of the House from Enugu State, "Death of Hon Maurice Ibekwe", Hon Bako Sarai, "Assault on Hon Bako Sarai and members of his campaign team by the ADC and the Security Detail of the Governor of Kano State", "Hon Oluwole Adeyemi and 17 others "Conduct of the Affairs of the National Automotive Council", Hon Tam Brisibe and four others, "Recent Increase in the prices of Petroleum products", Hon Abdullahi Idris Umar and five others, "Flood disaster in Kuri, Dandikowa and Gombe towns in Gombe State", Hon Arole Fancy, "Pollution of Lagos Underground Water by Textile Factories", Hon Bassey Etim, "Call for a United Nations Supervised Plesbicite on Bakassi", Hon Abubakar Momoh, "Immediate repair of Murtala Mohamed bridge, Jamata-Lokoja", Hon Okwudili Uzoka and 22 others, "Enforcement of directive for the display of prices of petroleum products at all Petroleum retail outlets nationwide and adherence to such displayed price and other related matters", Hon Osita Izunaso, "Non-compliance with the National Housing Act by employers of labour", Hon Mercy Almona-Isei, "Controversy over award of contract for Escravos gas project Escravos Gas to liquid", Hon Emeka Atuma and five others, "Recognition of the struggles and attainments of the Legislature in the history of Nigeria", Hon Abdul Oroh and two others, "rainstorm disaster in Warake, Owan East Local Government, Owan federal Constituency - Edo State" and Hon Alex Nwofe, "Matter of Urgent National Importance: Conflict between Izzi community and Ukele community in Cross River State".
Individual Assessment
The House of Representatives is a big market and members have acknowledged that much. With its 360 members, it is very hard to be noticed in the crowd and this makes it hard for people to be given chances to contribute to the extent that their voices become synonymous with particular viewpoints. However, there are still few who put their views across hard enough to be noticed while the weight of the contributions of others stand them out; some equally maintain enough presence in the press where they have the opportunity they seldom do of the floor of the House.
That notwithstanding, there are still few lawmakers who stood out within the period under review, in the opinion of this reporter and are:
Hon. Aminu Bello Masari: He is the Speaker and pilots the House through even very murky terrains when wisdom and tact makes demands on the decisive powers of the House. Under him, the House has worn the toga of a people-oriented parliament. This he has done through prompt positions on issue that touch on the welfare of the people. Examples are the increases in fuel prices where they intervened. The Leadership under Masari also intervened in the face off between Labour and the Federal government that almost threatened to cripple the productive sector.
Although he may not have sponsored the highest number of bills in the House, his humility in leadership and efforts at transparent accounting system stands out his leadership qualities though some may still hiss at his closeness to the President.
Hon. Abdul Ningi: He represents Ningi/Waji federal Constituency. He is fearless and outrighly outspoken, has good expressive abilities and can swing the mood of the House. While other Principal officer may sometimes talk tongue in cheek, Ningi bares his mind and is one of those in the House who do not feel that the fear of the President is the beginning of legislative wisdom. He has been presenting all the executive bills.
Hon. Chudi Ofodile: He represents Awka North/South Federal Constituency and is the quiet working type. A lawyer by profession, he initiated, through Public petitions that came to his desk as the Chairman on Public Petitions, the probe of Halliburton and the beating into line of some of the multi-National oil corporations accused of violating a lot of the rights of Nigerians. Although his beat looked dry, he literarily squeezed water out of stone to make in relevant in the scheme of things. Though he is battling to revalidate his mandate at the Election Appeal Tribunal, his erudite contributions at the floor also makes him noticeable.
Hon. Jerry Sony Ugokwe: He had the singular misfortune of having his mandate invalidated though his successor is yet to take over. He sponsored the highest number of motions in the two years of the House. He was the Committee Chairman on Emergency and Disaster preparedness, a Committee he midwifed. He represents Idemili North/Idemili South while he was in the House.
Hon. Wunmi Bewaji: A lawyer by profession and one time Human Rights Activist, he came to the House on a platform of the Alliance for Democracy. Bewaji gives legal insight into issues during his contribution and is arguably one of the reliable hands the House looks up to on issues of law. His contributions are quite useful and sound. He represents Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency.
Hon. Farouk Lawan: He is the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and a very active member. Being a second time lawmaker, he has experience and often works behind the scene but when issues are knotty on the floor, his contributions could not be missed out. He represents Bagwai/Shanono Federal constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic party. Lawan has been on the team moving round to secure debt repudiation for the country.
Hon. Alex Nwofe: He is from Ebonyi State and represents Abakiliki/Izzi federal Constituency, Ebonyi State. A lawyer by profession, the House has come to rely on him in constitutional matters while his reports are like judgments. He is also very active in carrying across his views. He is a humble lawmaker who the House cannot forget in a hurry.
Hon. Olusola Adeyeye: He represents Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila federal constituency of Osun State. A Professor, he introduces academic bent to discussions. Very erudite, he goes into frenzy while speaking on the floor and gestures wildly as he is carried away in an attempt to make his points. He is very vocal especially when he feels that unparliamentary practices were being condoned, He is in the House on the platform of Alliance for Democracy.
Hon. Halims Agoda: He is representing Ethiope Federal Constituency of Delta State. He is very erudite and one of the reliable hands of the House. He works silently but when convinced on the need to canvass any opinion, he does so deftly. He sponsored the motion on the missing ship and the Visa ban on Nigerian Youths by the UK government among others.
Hon. Celestine Ughanze: A soft-spoken man, he is the Committee Chairman on Privatisation and is a lawyer by profession. This second time comer to the House makes contributions, mostly using legal angles and speaks fearlessly. He raised the issue of the Share Loan Privatisation Scheme and the sale of Aluminum Smelter Company, Ikot Abasi that is still generating heat.
Hon. Anthony Aziegbemi: He came to the House under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he contributes eloquently on the floor though a silent worker. He is well remembered for the way he handled the issue of the missing illegal bunkering vessel, M. T. African Pride, where he recommended for the sanctioning of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sunday Afolayan.
Hon. Uche Onyeaguocha: He is the lone All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate from Imo State. He represents Owerri federal Constituency. Being in an opposition party, he is vitriolic in criticizing issues and speaks fearlessly. A lawyer by profession, Onyeaguocha always insists that on carrying out legislative procedures to the letter and rarely believes in compromises. He is noted for speaking his mind.
Hon. West Idahosa: The Committee Chairman on internal Affairs and second time comer to the House, he is a lawyer who is thorough in his arguments. He contributes regularly on issues before the House.
Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa: A quiet man representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal Constituency of Abia State, he is on his second term in the House and therefore contributes from a bank of experience. He was the Deputy Leader of the House in the last dispensation and is one of the reliables in the present House.
Hon. Usman Bugaje: The facilitator of the forum for Democracy and Good Governance, he is a diehard advocate of independence of the legislature. He is the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He makes intelligent contributions when given chance to speak.
Hon. Leo Okuwe Ogor: People would easily remember him for his unbending insistence on the probe of the Management Contract for the Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL) between Nigeria and Pentascope. He is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Communications. He is bold, contributions intelligently and is enthusiastic to see the House act on its own volition without being guided. He is from Delta State and under the platform of the PDP.
Hon. Obeton Okon Obeten: A Peoples Democratic Party member from Cross River state, he is a lawyer and has a grasp of parliamentary procedures. He is intelligent and often reminded those that appear before his Committee not to play legal pranks as he has been in the Bar longer than them. He is well remembered for chairing the Committee that look at the Labour Act, which sought to outlaw the NLC.
Hon. Haruna Yerima: A soft-spoken and ever smiling radical, he was the member who ignited the fire on allegations of corruption on some members. His enthusiasm to get the legislative work done radically pitches him against authorities. He raised the issue of the MTN recharge card gift and returned his Christmas gift to 0governor Joshua Dariye.
Hon. Chinonyerem Macebuh: He is an open image of a radical and lives it. He came to the House in 1999 and represents Ukwa East/Ukwa West federal constituency. He has a penchant for arguing against popular opinion. He makes very useful contributions and has a mind of his own.
Hon. Bashir Nadabo: He is in the House under the platform of he ANPP. A calm and calculative person that does not lend himself to compromises, he is easily remembered for putting the leadership on edge severally over the management f the funds of the House. He is currently the arrowhead of the impeachment move against President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Hon. Oluwole Adeyemi: An Alliance for Democracy candidate in the house and Committee Chairman of Public Accounts, he is very active on Committee level and has been making public officers grow gray hairs over management and retirement of accounts. The man who represents Somolu has no patience of lack of details in the accounting system.
Hon. Bala Ibn Na'Allah: A lawyer from Zuru, he is in the House for the first time but is very active and is one of the pillars of the house in matters that requires judicial reasoning and submissions. He is the Committee chairman on Judiciary and is very visible in the House.
Hon. Datti Baba Ahmed: Fair complexioned radical that does not hide his disdain for Preisdent Olusegun Obasanjo. He is the most vocal in his criticism of the way the county is being run. He contributes meaningfully and has the support of most northern legislators, which he can use to affect bills and motions either way. He is from Kaduna and represents Zaria Federal constituency.
Hon. Gabriel Suswam: He has been in charge of Appropriations in the House and though a lawyer, he has been handling the portfolio with unexpected success in terms of giving the nation a perused document. He makes meaningful contributions especially on finance related matters. He is from Benue State and represents Katsina Ala/Ukum/Logo federal constituency.
Hon. Nze Chidi Duru: Represents Aguata federal Constituency in Anambra State, he is also a lawyer by profession and has bias on pension and privatization related matters where he makes his marks during presentations. He is a calm fellow.
Hon. Ita Enang: Simply the engine House of the House being the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business. He is a lawyer and most times guides the House on procedures having the hindsight of a first tenure in the House. He is also a lawyer.
Hon. Abubakar Momoh: He is a Pension and Labour expert and makes meaningful contributions in both motions and bills. Feels hard about turn of events in the country and expresses it.
NOTE: : As earlier Stated, making a mark in the House is very difficult but others do at committee levels where assessment of activities is hard and classing some as dead woods could portray ordinarily active people in poor lights.
The Senate
Bills
Sen. Oserheimen A. Osunbor, (PDP, Edo Central)
"Let's hear from the Prof," successive Senate Presidents would say when the issue of legality becomes knotty on the floor of the Senate. Osunbor is chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary. Apart from guiding the Senate on legal matters, he has motions and no fewer than six bills before the Senate among which are Federal High Court (Amendment) Bill 2005; National Industrial Court Bill, 2005; Nigerian Anti Trust (Enforcement Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2004; Customary Courts of Appeal Bill, 2004.
Sen. Ken Nnamani, (PDP, Enugu East)President of the Senate.
Before his election as the President of the Senate, Onwa, as he is fondly called by colleagues, has a knack for making blunt contributions to debates not minding whose ox is gored. As the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Governmental Affairs chairman, Nnamani sponsored the Institute for Democratic Studies of Nigeria Bill, 2004.
Sen. Iya Abubakar, (PDP, Adamawa North)
He is regular on the floor of the senate and has a clear grasp of issues in debates. Apart from some motions that he moved, Abubakar sponsored the Information Technology Bill, 2005; the Traditional Medicine Practice Bill 2005; and, Federal College of Chemical and Leather Education Bill 2005 currently before the Senate.
Sen. Silas Jonathan Zwingina, (PDP, Adamawa South)
He can be said to be an all rounder of sort in the Senate. If it's the drafting of motion, the Senate Deputy Leader, would do it on any subject matter in no time at all. The Nigerian Press Council Bill 2003; Consumer Protection Council Bill 2003; the Tenure of Office Bill 2004; the Citizen Residency Rights Bill, 2004 are all to his credit.
Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
The Senate Chief Whip and Leader, South-South Caucus of the National Assembly. Before this position, he was in the Senate Committee on National Planning. Apart from advising the Senate on knotty legal matters, Udoma sponsored the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill 2005 and the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account etc) Bill 2003.
Sen. David Cobbina Brigidi, (PDP, Bayelsa Central)
The Senate Committee on INEC chairman is a mobilizer with a passion for moving motions. He has bills to his credit like the Indigenous Oil Companies (Regulations and Fiscal Terms) Bill 2003; and the Petroleum Inspectorate Commission (PIC) Bill 2003. He has been in the Senate since 1999.
Sen. Joshua Adagba, (PDP, Benue North/West)
The Senate Committee on Niger Delta vice- chairman is a gentleman. In spite of this, he has a way of weathering through the nuances of the Senate politics to achieve results. He moved the motion on the late Pope John Paul. He sponsored the Act Authentication Act (Amendment Bill, 2003; the Public Servants (Promotion and Entitlements) Bill 2003.
Sen. Mohammed S. Daggash, (PDP, Borno North)
Before a question mark was put on his election via a ruling of the Court of Appeal, Daggash was having the shine in the Senate. He was the former spokesman of the Senate. Apart from moving motions, he already had a bill, the Budgeting Procedures Bill 2003, to his name. But since his return, he has taken the silence option. He has a firm grasp of economic and appropriation matters.
Sen. Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, (PDP, Cross River South)
He is the Chairman Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity chairman. His committee has mediated in several labour disputes and proffered solutions to would be intractable matters. He was responsible for the motion urging the Federal Government not to cede Nigerian landmass to Bakassi. His bills include Farmers Council of Nigeria Bill 2004 and Nigeria Investment Fund for Future Generations and other Matters incidental thereto Bill, 2005.
Sen. Felix O. Ibru, (PDP, Delta Central)
The Chairman Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Services has a record of returning bills referred to his committee within time limits. A passionate committee worker, Ibru also enjoys participation in debates. He has a Chartered Pension Institute of Nigeria Bill 2004 before the Senate.
Sen. Patrick E. Osakwe, (PDP, Delta North)
Osakwe is the Chairman Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts. He participates regularly in debates and his re-deployment from the Senate Committee on Niger-Delta to Local and Foreign Debt emerged like his icing on the cake because the committee has brought out the best in him.
He has moved motions and his bill before the Senate is the Public Officers Protection Amendment Bill, 2004.
Sen. Emmanuel A. Agboti, (PDP, Ebonyi South)
Agboti is chairman Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) chairman. A senator committed to the workings of his committees, apart from contributing to debates, moving motions and holding public hearings, Agboti's bills in the Senate are; National Assembly (Consolidated Revenue) Act, 2004; Constituency Project Bill 2005.
Sen. Rufus Inatimi Spiff, (PDP, Bayelsa East)
Spiff is the Senate Committee on Information vice-chairman and a hard worker in the committees. He also moved a motion on the recent military killings in his home state which the Senate mandated an ad-hoc committee to investigate. Spiff sponsored the Personal Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2005.
Sen. Baba Tella, (PDP, Bauchi North)
The Senate Committee on Communication chairman, Tella, is a regular face and good participant on the floor during plenary sessions. The Universal Services Agency Bill 2004 and the Nigerian Communication Act (Amendment) Bill are some of the bills standing to his credit.
Sen. John Kojo Brambaifa, (PDP, Bayelsa West)
He is also regular at plenary sessions and make reasonable contributions to debate. He is the chairman Senate Committee on Niger Delta and assigned with responsibilities over the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He has a couple of motions to his credit as well as Contract Award (Regulation) Bill, 2004 and Safety Professional Practice Bill (2003)
Sen. Chris Adighije, (PDP, Abia Central)
Before his alleged role in the bribe-for- budget scandal, Adighije was grounded in committee work. A regular floor senator, he used to speak well each time the then Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, conceded the right of the floor to him, even though this was sparsely done.
His bill, entitled Road Safety Amendment Bill 2004, which passed first reading last July, is yet to be slated for second reading almost a year after. He also co-sponsored the National Trust Fund for the Disabled Bill.
Sen. James Ebiowuo Manager, (PDP, Delta South)
Manager is the Vice-chairman Senate Committee on Works. He is passionately a committee senator and the best of him often comes out during the question and answer sessions of his committees' public hearings. He also takes delight in making contributions to debates on the floor. His bills before the Senate include High Court of the FCT Abuja (Number of Judges) Act 2004; Prohibition of Tampering with Oil Pipelines, Electrical Plants, Telephone and Postal Matters, Bill 2004; Swimming Development Bill, 2004; and Examination Malpractices Prohibition Bill, 2004.
Sen. Ugochukwu B. Uba, (PDP, Anambra South)
He is the Senate Committee on Marine Transport chairman and is regular at Senate sittings. He has to his credit the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2004 as well as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Promulgation) (Amendment ) Bill 2004.
Sen. Julius Ali Ucha, (PDP, Ebonyi Central)
Former Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Ucha still needs to show that he was once a parliamentarian. He moved the motion which changed senate sitting time from 2.00pm to 10.00am. He also has a bill titled Secret Cults and Cult Related Activities (Prohibition Act) Bill, 2004 before the Senate.
Sen. Bode Olowoporoku, (PDP, Ekiti South)
Olowoporoku is a restless senator. He appears dutiful but each of his deft moves hardly yield the expected result. He stands alone as the only senator who brought a motion to the floor and could not find a colleague to second the motion. His on-going brick-brat with the Minister of Agriculture, Mallam Adamu Bello, which would have given him some mileage in the Senate, has assumed a funny dimension. He has the Agrarian Revolution Bill, 2003 before the Senate.
Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, (PDP, Enugu West)
Ekweremadu is chairman Senate Committee on Housing. A versatile lawyer, he also makes noble contributions to debate on the floor of the Senate. His Civil Process Services Bill, 2005 is before the Senate.
Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, (PDP, Lagos Central)
Former Alliance for Democracy (AD) Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, vice chairman, senate committee on marine transport, has since last year sponsored a motion which seeks to profer a permanent solution to the perennial Lagos Bar beach problem. He came into limelight in the senate when he was the only AD senator that sat on the fence on the then move by the Federal Government to impose a state of emergency on Plateau State. His defection to the DPD has helped to bolster Obanikoro's confidence and surefootedness in the senate. Obanikoro also moved the motions on the fuel price increase palaver that led to the setting up of the Ibrahim Mantu palliative committee and the one on the blown velodrome of the Abuja National Stadium.
Sen. Abubakar Maikafi, (PDP, Bauchi South)
He is the Vice-chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation and Finance. A tested committee worker, Maikafi is currently holding forth given the resignation of the committee chairman, Senator Azuta Mbata. He sponsored the National Park Service (Amendment) Bill 2004.
The Actors
Some Senators have made their mark in the senate not so much for the number of bills or motions that they sponsor but in their contributions either inside the hallowed senate chamber or outside it. In their actions, they set the pace for other senators or even the entire senate to follow. In their contributions to debates, they set the tone of the debate and sway the house. Their contributions on the floor of the senate are as deep and penetrating as they are pungent and often times radical. These senators include the followings:
Sen. Ibrahim Mantu
Mantu, the Deputy President of the Senate, is a very experienced legislator or a very experienced politician so to say. He had a chummy relationship with virtually all former senate presidents from Evans Enwerem, late Chuba Okadigbo to Pius Anyim and Wabara both of whom he served with as their deputy. During Wabara's senate, he was even said to be the defacto senate president. His word was said to be law there. He has a large following in the Senate. He also sets the tone in some debates over some issues. It is perhaps due to his leadership qualities that he is the Chairman National Assembly committee on review of the 1999 constitution. He is a loyalist of President Olusegun Obasanjo and his Man Friday in the assembly.
Sen. Uche Chukwumerije, (PDP, Abia North)
He can aptly be described as the 'conscience' of the Senate because he harbours repugnance for un-senatorial dispositions of some of his colleagues. He has displayed this many times before. Regular at Senate sittings, the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Matters that he belongs to has a couple of motions to his credit as well as the Petroleum Products and Other Related Activities Compensatory Relief Bill (2003); Election Campaign and Finance Regulatory Bill 2004 and the Legal Aid (Amendment) Bill 2005.
Only recently, he moved a motion asking the senate to wade into the controversial demolition of structures in Kubwa, Abuja following which the senate quickly raised a committee.
Sen. Sarki Dalhatu Tafida, (PDP, Senate Leader)
Tafida, the Senate Majority Leader has been in the senate since 1999. As senate leader, he occupies a pre-eminent place in the senate. He leads debates often times and he is very effective. Wth a wealth of experience in politics taht dates back to the First Republic, Tafida is really a force to reckon with in the senate.
Sen. David Bonaventure Mark, (PDP, Benue South)
He is the chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs and one of the master strategists of the upper legislative house. The leader of the Group of 87 Senators, which last year moved against former President of the senate, Chief Adolphus Wabara. Mark has a penchant for guiding the Senate in time of crisis. As a former soldier, Mark knows when to attack and knows the point of withdrawal as well.
Mark has the Police Tax Fund (Establishment) Bill 2003 to his credit.
Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, (AD, Lagos East)
Mamora, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is the chairman Senate committee on Ethics, Priviledges and Public Petitions. Though of the minority Alliance for Democracy (AD) stock, Mamora is very visible in the senate and is highly respected. His committee very recently looked into the allegations against Wabara and five other senators and discharged itself creditably and dispassionately.
Sen. Jubri M. Aminu, (PDP, Adamawa Central)
He has a knack for insisting on doing things his own way. This has earned him the sobriquet 'Headmaster' in his Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. Aminu also has some motions to his credit but the bulk of his responsibility in the Senate is in handling the executive treaties, conventions and the clearing of ambassadorial nominees at the committee level. His committee has completed work or in the process of completing work on several reports.
Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, (PDP, Cross River Central)
He is called 'Senator S.A.N.' by his colleagues. He stands among those who guide the Senate from the position of law. The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals vice-chairman is a committed committee worker not just in Solid Minerals but in other areas.
Sen. Kashim Oyofo, (PDP, Edo North)
Since his removal as the Senate Chief Whip, he has not been assigned the chairmanship of any committee. But prior to this, Oyofo has demonstrated that he is versed either in the politics of the Senate, legislative procedures or contributions to debate and has always been a senator of note.
Sen. Tunde Ogbeha, (PDP, Kogi West)
Like David Mark, his former colleague in the military, Ogbeha is as influential in the senate as he was in the army. He is very visible and has a view on any issue in the senate. He is there among the movers and shakers of the senate. But he also does not joke with his legislative work. He has particularly shown great leadership in the way he handles his constituency responsibilities.
Sen. Arthur Nzeribe, (PDP, Imo West)
Senator Nzeribe is by far one of the most experienced legislators in the country today. He has been in every senate since 1983. He is one of the few very versed senators at present, versed in legislative matters and versed in senate politics. Because he is versed and well read, he exploits this to manipulate the senate to toe his lines, and these lines are often times undemocratic as some may say.
Sen. Ifeanyi Araraume, (PDP, Imo North)
Araraume is very visible in the Senate. His name has always come up for mention each time another Senate President has fallen from office. He participates effectively in debates, moves motions and has some bills to his credit. But these days all he does in the Senate is to galvanise his chances in the impending Imo State governorship race.
Sen. Fidelis C. Okoro, (PDP, Enugu North)
Okoro has been in the senate since 1999. a controversial senator, Okoro is the Chairman Senate Committee on Defence and Leader of the South-east senate caucus. Okoro is purely a committee senator who would insist on taking charge of his environment.
Sen. Daniel Saror, (ANPP, Benue North East)
The Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Saror is the conscience of the minority in the senate, particularly the ANPP senators. A consummate worker in the party's caucus, he has some motions to his credit and participate regularly in debates.
Sen. Mohammed Abba Aji (ANPP, Borno Central)
He is the minority whip with a deep knowledge of the politics of the minority senator. Abba Aji also makes contributions to debate and has co-sponsored motions on the problems in the North-East geopolitical zone.
Sen. Sule Yari Gandi, (ANPP, Sokoto East)
Senator Sule Yari Gandi from Sokoto State, though of the minority All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) is very visible and influential in the senate. Gandi is very assertive and is voice is weighty and also helps to shape the politics of the senate.
Sen. Omar A. Hambagda, (ANPP, Borno South)
He is one of the senators that naturally guides debate in the area of economy and management. His arguments are often sound and scholarly. A committed committee worker, Hambagda has also jointly sponsored motions on the floor.
Sen. Usman Al-bashir, (PDP Yobe State)
ANPP Senator Al-bashir was the former leader of the party in the senate. A very rich man, Al-bashir is no push over in the senate where he quitely stirs issues and events to suit his whims. Though no longer in the senate leadership but this has not removed anything from his influence.
Sen. Clement Kola Awoyelu (PDP, Ekiti Central)
Awoyelu is one of the senators who within the last legislative session has displayed his stuff unlike the first legislative session when he chose to be quiet. His contributions to debate and participation in committee works are commendable. Awoyelu has also become a force in the politics of the Senate with majority of the members of the South-west towing his line.
Sen. Effiong Dickson Bob, (PDP, Akwa Ibom North-East)
A consummate committee worker, Bob has turned around the performance of the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism within the short span he has spent as chairman. He is also an entrenched member of the caucus playing the politics of the Senate.
Sen. Lawan Shuabu, (ANPP,
The new ANPP leader in the senate, Senator Lawan Shuaibu is also Chairman Senate committee on Drugs and Narcotics. He has been in the senate since 1999, sponsored some bills and motions. He participates regularly in debates and remains influential in the chamber.
Sen. Daisy Ehanire-Danjuma, (PDP, Edo South)
Ehanire-Danjuma is gradually showing the stuff she is made of and has improved within the last legislative year in the quality of her contributions to debate on the floor. She is also dutiful in her Women Affairs Committee as she champions the cause of women.
Sen. Tokunboh Afikuyomi, (AD, Lagos West)
Afikuyomi is a very urbane senator. He can hardly be ignored in the senate. Very brilliant and informed about senate duties. He had always been close to the powers that be in the senate but he particularly had a chummy relationship with Wabara as senate president. He has sponsored a number of bills and moved a few motions.
OTHERS
In this category are Senators who are either largely docile in the senate or are yet to make their mark. They hardly move motions and hardly participate in debates
Sen. Bala Adamu, (PDP, Bauchi State.)
Bala Adamu has come a long way in the senate. He was first elected into the Senate in 1999 and was reelected in 2003. An easy going senator, Adamu has carried that attribute into the senate where he sees no evil, hears no evil and if we may add, speaks no evil.
He is at present the Senate Committee on Industries vice chairman.
Sen. Gregory Ngaji, (PDP, Cross River North)
The Senate Committee on Gas chairman is mute on the floor of the Senate and the activities of his committee are also not popular. He is one of the senators that participate in debate by maintaining silence.
Sen. Iyiola Omisore, (PDP, Osun East)
Senator Iyiola Omisore is chairman senate committee on Industries. He was elected into the senate from prison where he was detained for alleged complicity n the murder of the late Chief Bola Ige. He has been discharged and acquitted from the case. He hardly p[articipates in debates in the senate and some say he is merely been cautious in his approach to the work of the senate. But mixes well with his colleagues.
Sen. Christopher C. Nshii, (PDP, Ebonyi North)
Abakaliki rice-farmer-turned senator, Nshii is chairman Senate Committee on Aviation.
Sen. Ittak Bob Ekarika, (PDP, Akwa Ibom N/West)
He is the Senate Committee on Gas vice-chairman. He rarely makes contributions on the floor.
Sen. James Olagunju Kolawole, (AD, Ekiti North)
Except occasional contributions to debate, Kolawole it appears is not pulling his weight.
Senators Not Assessed
Sen. Adolphus Wabara, (PDP, Abia South)
Not Assessed. He is at present facing trial for alleged complicity in the bribe-for-budget scandal. He had been in the senate since 1999 and ought ordinarily to be one of the most experienced legislators in the National Assembly.
Sen. Ben Obi, (PDP, Anambra Central)
Not Assessed. Obi is just gradually finding his feet in the Senate. He was inaugurated into the Senate a few months ago after a protracted legal battle. He chairs Senate services committee.
Sen. Joy Emordi, (PDP, Anambra North)
Not Assessed. She just joined the Senate after a protracted legal battle.