Danliti Ibrahim
In the last few weeks, some Nigerian National dailies described senator Representing Kano Central in the National Assembly Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as a Benchwarmer.
The former governor of Kano state who was the first elected governor to serve the state for eight years consecutively becomes the Senator Representing Kano Central in the National Assembly after the 2019 General elections.
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The National dailies that described the senator as a bench warmer cited some examples that the senator representing Kano central Malam Ibrahim Shekarau does not present a single bill since his coming to the senate over a year ago.
But the confusion that trails the description of Malam Shekarau as a bench warmer did not go down well with some close aids of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau.
For example, Dr. Sule Yau Sule, a public relations expert and an aide to Malam Ibrahim Shekaru since his days as Governor of Kano state from 2003 to 2011, has to showcase some achievements of the senator to Journalists in his home state of Kano.
Some of the achievements showcased by Malam Sule Yau Sule were those depicting Malam Ibrahim Shekaru standing before the senate and attending some functions in the United Kingdom as a Chairman of the Senate committee on public service.
To Dr. Sule Yau Sule how can one describe Malam Shekarau as a bench warmer?
But the National dailies that put the issue of bench-warming by the senator to the full glare of the public said the once Vocal Governor of Kano state did not present a single bill since he’s going to the Senate last year.
For people and supporters to establish the difference between a bill and a motion, Nigerian Tracker brought out the differences between a Bill, a motion, and a resolution.
Bill: A bill is a draft of the Act. It can be understood as a law in its nascent stages. Once passed by the Parliament and President signed the bill it becomes an Act.
Motion: A motion indicates a proposal made by a Member of the Parliament and includes questions addressed to the Chair of the House. It is moved to ascertain the will of the House. A motion may be Substantive, Subsidiary, or Statutory.
Resolution: A resolution reflects the general opinion of the House in as much as it is a general declaration, a recommendation or approval/disapproval of an act of the Government.
Going by the above scenario, the bill if its implemented and becomes a law it will not only benefit the community or the people were a senator or a member of the House of representatives comes from but even the entire country.
Other people are of the view that once a senator or a representative is attending the sittings of a House and stood up to present a motion that person is a performer, not a bench warmer.
Many people in the Kano senatorial Zone believed that Malam Ibrahim Shekarau in the senate will not be a bench warmer but one who will make the red Chamber lively by presenting unquantifiable bills for the good order and responsible governance in Nigeria.
These peoples expectation was hinged on the fact that during his days as governor of Kano State Malam Ibrahim Shekarau is an orator and very vocal when it comes to commenting on public issues.
He became well known on the eve of 2011 general elections when he served as the presidential flag bearer of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party.
In a widely televised presidential broadcast anchored by re-known broadcaster Kadaria Ahmad, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau defeated the duo of President Muhammadu Buhari and Malam Nuhu Ribadu in the Presidential debate.
But political commentators and watchers will continue to trace whether the label on Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as a benchwarmer and some of his colleagues will continue to materialize till the 9th senate wrap up in June 2023.
