By Tony Okafor
The recent trend of evaluating Nigerian lawmakers based solely on the number of bills they sponsor has sparked concern.
As the 10th Assembly approaches its second year, reassessing this narrow focus is crucial.
Lawmakers have diverse responsibilities that extend far beyond bill sponsorship. These include policy development, oversight, facilitating dialogue, and representing constituents’ interests – all vital to democratic governance.
Globally, exemplary legislators have made significant impacts through behind-the-scenes efforts, not just bill sponsorship.
Nelson Mandela’s advocacy for reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa and Ted Kennedy’s tireless healthcare advocacy exemplify the value of comprehensive legislative work.
Similarly, in Anambra State, lawmakers like Senator Victor Umeh and Afam Ogene have demonstrated commendable commitment to people’s welfare, beyond their bills and motions.
Senator Umeh’s scholarship programmes, which recently empowered 223 undergraduates, and Afam Ogene’s community development initiatives in Ogwuikpele and Ogwu-Aniocha, Ogbaru, through NEMA, showcase effective representation.
Some may argue that bill sponsorship is a tangible measure of legislative productivity. However, Dr. Ayo Ojo, a political analyst at the University of Lagos, notes, “While bill sponsorship is important, it’s not the only indicator of a lawmaker’s effectiveness. We must consider their contributions to committee work, oversight, and constituency services.”
Moreover, bill sponsorship alone does not guarantee effective legislation. Policy influence, constituency support, and collaborative efforts are equally important factors.
Recognizing that a legislator’s impact cannot be measured solely by bill numbers is essential; we must consider their overall contributions, policy influence, and constituency support.
According to Hon. Justice Mohammed, a former Chairman of the Nigerian National Assembly’s Committee on Rules and Business, “Effective legislation involves building consensus, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring that laws benefit the people. Bill sponsorship is just one aspect of this process.”
Data from the National Assembly’s records show that lawmakers like Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who focus on committee work and oversight, tend to have a higher impact on policy development. For instance, her work on the Senate Committee on Health led to the passage of a crucial healthcare reform bill.
Furthermore, collaborative efforts like the joint committee on poverty alleviation, comprising members from both chambers, demonstrate the importance of teamwork in legislative work.
However, some may argue that evaluating lawmakers’ behind-the-scenes work is challenging due to lack of access to information. While this is a valid concern, it highlights the need for greater openness in legislative processes.
Judging lawmakers solely by bill numbers is misguided. A comprehensive evaluation considering multiple factors, including policy influence, constituency support, and collaborative efforts, is necessary to truly assess legislative effectiveness.
