First Timer Senators’ Legislative Prowess in Red Chamber

Olubunmi Omoogun writes about six first timer Senators making the Red Chamber tick since its inauguration on June 13, 2023.

The public cynicism about politics and politicians has increased over the years due to bad leadership and bad government policies in the midst of rising global headwinds. Some professionals in politics, however, are hoping to repay the confidence that people reposed in them as well as earn the trust and respect of their constituencies as the 10th National Assembly members return from their annual recess.

A look at six first timer Senators of the 10th National Assembly who want to change the narrative that federal parliamentarians are all motivated purely by self-interest.

Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire

He exhumes knowledge, compassion with a textbook of humility and dignity all wrapped in simplicity. He is not the usual Nigerian politician.

Adegbonmire, a straightforward son of former Secretary to Ondo State Government,  late Chief Wumi Adegbonmire who identified with Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s political ideology, comes from an exceedingly respected political family.

A patriot and man of indefatigable character. He is also a charismatic figure with great appeal. This was evident in the way he contributed positively to the successful Senate ministerial screening of the Ondo minister in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who is currently making huge impacts in the ministry of interior.

In his bid to advance diplomatic drive for investment attraction for the country, strengthen diplomatic ties and deepen the partnership with South Korea, Senator Adegbonmire facilitated a high level meeting between the Senate led by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the South Korean delegation from the World Expo 2030, BUSAN.

South Korea is a major east-Asian economy, recognized for its thriving industrial sector and electronics exports. Its rapid economic development (one of the fastest rates seen over the past decades).

Nigeria can also leverage on this to explore other opportunities that will benefit the greater number of the people to solve the nation’s economic issues.

There is no doubt that Senator Adegbonmire’s zeal, burning desire and enthusiasm to work for the people has always reflected in his leadership style and legislative inputs so far.

He has the candour to bring the dividends of good governance such as creating opportunities in ICT, education, empowerment of small and medium scale entrepreneurs and provide access to health care facilities and services to the good people of Ondo Central Senatorial District of Ondo State.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu

Senator Adaramodu representing Ekiti South Senatorial District is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs of the 10th Senate. He may be new in the Senate but not new to the National Assembly. His people deemed it fit to reward him with a seat in the Senate after his excellent and overwhelming performance in the House of Representatives.

Armed with his vast experience as a former House of Representatives member who defeated the Senate minority leader in the 9th Senate, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Senator Adaramodu has already made an excellent impression and impact not only among his colleagues but also within the general public. He is well-regarded and well-known within the National Assembly as a Senate spokesman who is accessible, open and honest as well as fancies constructive dialogue, robust engagement with journalists, the public and stakeholders who want to be acquainted with necessary information about the Senate.

Senator Adaramodu has been applauded for his active efforts in availing the public with the true picture of activities in the National Assembly, ensuring transparency and promoting policies that will benefit the people. He is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Youths and Sports.

Senator Jide Ipinsagba

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba is a technocrat who is representing Ondo North Senatorial District.

On Wednesday 9th August, 2023, the Senator, in fulfilment of his quest to attract a federal university to his constituency, came up with the Bill titled ‘Federal University of Information and Communication Technology, Ikare Akoko (Establishment) Bill (SB. 85). The Bill was read the first time on the floor of the red chamber.

He is poised to render services and value in the 10th Senate and further transform the communities by executing sustainable projects across the areas that make up the Senatorial District.

Senator Ireti Kingibe

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Heebah Kingibe is one of the most vocal Senators of the 10th Senate which is dominated by male Senators.

Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, had noted that winning elections in Nigeria is no mean feat, electoral victory for women contesting for seats in the National Assembly is therefore a great achievement.

Senator Kingibe and other women in the National Assembly will have to break more boundaries in the National Assembly, in order to show that women too can play a great role in representative democracy. 

The FCT Senator is an inspirational woman who will continue to work to shape the economic destiny of many people especially in the satellite towns of the FCT by attracting dividends of good governance to the people. She plans to donate her salary to an “emergency” fund to support her policies, which are focused on redistributing wealth in the city and its poor rural environs.

Senator Kingibe is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs.

Senator Ipalibo Banigo

Senator Banigo who represents the people of Rivers West Senatorial District is a medical doctor and Chairman, Senate Committee on Health. She will bring her vast experience to bear in making sure that executive creates access to quality and affordable healthcare services that is consistent with President Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

A proactive personality, team player and pragmatic professional who has worked in various sectors for years, serving the people. She also served as deputy governor of Rivers State under ‘Mr Project’ former governor of Rivers State and current minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong

He is one of the youngest Senators in the Senate. Known as a people’s person, Senator  Ekpenyong also called Suki is an unassuming, loyal and astute individual.

He is representing the people of Cross River South Senatorial District. 

Suki rose remarkably from being one of the youngest commissioners in Cross River State to become one of the youngest Senators in Nigeria’s history, owing this to the benevolence of God and the people of Cross River State.

He used his capabilities, youthfulness, crowd appeal to portray himself as a tested leader, to win the trust of his people.

In recognition of his commitment to national service, he represented Nigerian Senate at the annual International Parliamentary Union (IPU) global conference held this September in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Driven by an internal desire to change the world rather than by dreams of personal glory, Senator Ekpenyong tends to bring a new and different perspective to public service, so as to help push for a Nigeria of our dream as well as meet the aspirations and yearnings of the people of his constituency.

-Omoogun writes from Abuja.