As the 10th National Assembly reaches its one-year mark, damning revelation have surfaced about the three senators representing Edo State have failed miserably in their legislative duties, standing as stark contrasts to their counterparts across the nation.
Among the 109 senators, a staggering 24 have yet to sponsor a single bill, and regrettably, 2 Edo senators from Labour Party and APC are among them.
Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Monday Okpebholo, and Imasuen Benard have all fallen short of their responsibilities, demonstrating a shocking lack of initiative in a critical aspect of their roles.
Though Senator Adams Oshiomole has been most vocal on the floor of the senate and other oversight committees. He has been hailed for speaking for the common man and holding agencies and ministers accountable to run a frugal budget in this tough economy.
The same cannot be said for the other 2 senators. While their peers have been active in proposing and championing legislation for the betterment of their constituents, these senators from Edo have remained conspicuously inactive, failing to contribute meaningfully to the legislative agenda.
Their dismal performance is further compounded when compared to other former governors-turned-senators, nine out of thirteen of whom have taken proactive steps in sponsoring bills that address pressing issues facing their constituencies. In contrast, Senator Okpebholo, and Imasuen have remained idle, neglecting their duty to enact positive change through legislative action.
Furthermore, the absence of bills and vocal stance on the floor of the senate concerning pressing issues stands as a testament to their disregard for the needs and concerns of the people they were elected to represent.
While other senators diligently work to address critical issues ranging from infrastructure development to healthcare reform, these representatives from Edo State have failed to deliver on their promises and obligations.
For instance, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) has spearheaded 23 bills, notably including the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2023, and the Federal Fire Service Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2023, among others.
Similarly, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), has contributed significantly with 17 bills, including the Development Planning and Project Continuity Bill, 2023, and the Cyber Crimes (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2023.
Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) has also been proactive, sponsoring eight bills such as the Nigerian Content in Programme, Contracts, Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (Establishment) Bill, 2023, and the Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill, 2023.
Looking at Edo’s state twin, Delta state strengthens our claim.
Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (APC, Delta South), has sponsored 4 bills
Ned Munir Nwoko (PDP, Delta North),has sponsored 3 bills
Deafinone Edeh, APC, Delta Central; has sponsored only one bill.
We see that Edo state senators have sponsored just one bill while Delta state senators have sponsored 8 bills in the same period.
These senators exemplify the commitment and leadership expected of elected officials, actively engaging in legislative processes to address pressing issues and enact positive change for the benefit of all Nigerians.
In a landscape where legislative effectiveness is paramount, the abysmal performance of Edo’s senators serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and inaction. As the nation looks to its elected officials for leadership and progress, it is imperative that these representatives from Edo State heed the call to action and fulfill their responsibilities with the diligence and commitment they were entrusted with. Anything less would be a disservice to the people of Edo and a betrayal of the democratic process.
It is therefore, a rude shock and embarrassment, a further lowering of the bar (that is already touching the ground) for such a senator with just one fringe bill to have the audacity and mien to want to be governor in a few months time.
As the Bible says “ He that is faithful in little, more will be given unto him “
What then do we say about he that is unfaithful in little ?
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray, A Media/Political Strategist, PDP Chieftain, Journalist and Lead Spokesman for Team Asue Media Organisation (Edo 2024) writes from Greenwich, London, United Kingdom.