Another look at milestones of the 9th National Assembly
By Halilu Hassan
It will not be out of place to begin by saying a big congrats to members of the 9th National Assembly for successfully finishing their tenure today.
Undoubtedly, the 9th Assembly is the most productive in the history of Nigeria, as evidenced by the numerous rich and impactful bills sponsored by members, passed and assented into law in the last four years.
Prominent amongst these bills are the Petroleum Industry Act, Electoral Act which has ensured a smooth conduct of elections from primaries to general elections; Proceeds of Crimes Act, Money Laundering Bill, Anti-terrorism Bill, Witness Protection and Management Act; BOFIA Act, NDIC Act, AMCON Act; Firearms Act, Finance Bill, Constitutions Amendments; amendment of obsolete bills establishing existing institutions, and many other rich bills.
The Senate and House of Representatives’ members were also very active in their constituencies in terms of facilitating projects. This was very visible in the past four years. The 9th Assembly also ensured speedy passage of Appropriation Act, which ensured full implementation of the budget and returned the financial year from January to December within the past four years.
The legislators were also voices of their respective constituents through presentation of Motions on issues that affected their immediate constituencies and submissions of petitions through the ethics and privileges committee on behalf of constituents for further investigation.
The NASS members were also passionate about the plight of Nigerians especially on insecurity, economy, road construction/collapse, power and other critical sectors. There were several Motions presented with resolutions forwarded to the Executive Arm on issues bordering on the listed aforementioned sectors.
One outstanding thing I also noticed about the NASS members was that they barely derelicted their duties. Their Chambers were always full during sittings. It was as if their daily attendance was being supervised.
The entire members of the 9th National Assembly deserved to be commended. They have paid their dues and have effectively carried out their legislative functions. How I wish there would be a documentary of their activities in the past four years so Nigerians would realise the efforts they put in towards nation building. Indeed, Kudos to them.
Halilu Hassan wrote from Kaduna and can be reached on Haliluhassan2020@gmail.com
