Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has been rated the most outstanding occupant of the position since the return of democratic governance in 1999, following his sponsorship of 49 bills in the 10th National Assembly, five of which have received presidential assent.
The recognition was announced on Tuesday by journalists covering the National Assembly under the aegis of the Senate Press Corps, who assessed the performance of the five Nigerians who have occupied the position since 1999.
According to the journalists, Barau’s record of sponsoring 49 bills within 40 months of the current Senate, with five becoming law, distinguished him from his predecessors.
The Senate Press Corps also highlighted his experience as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee at different times in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, describing it as a unique achievement among those who have held the position of Deputy President of the Senate.
His position as Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament was also identified as another significant achievement that set him apart.
In a citation presented during the award ceremony, the journalists credited Barau’s legislative interventions with facilitating the establishment of the North-West Development Commission, the Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, and the Federal Medical Centre, Gwarzo, all in Kano State.
Receiving the recognition, Barau expressed appreciation to the journalists, describing the honour as both an acknowledgement of his contributions and a challenge to deliver more for the legislature and the country.
He said the award would motivate him to intensify his efforts towards serving his constituents, strengthening the National Assembly and advancing national development.
“I am truly grateful and deeply appreciate this gesture. This recognition will serve as a propeller, motivating me to do even more. As the popular saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.
The Deputy Senate President added that the recognition had placed greater responsibility on him to sustain his contributions to legislative development.
“By conferring this honour on me, you are not only acknowledging what I have done but also challenging me to do more.
“I want to assure you that I will not let you down. I will not let the Senate down, I will not let the National Assembly down, and I will not let the entire legislature or our country down,” he said.
Barau pledged to continue supporting the development of the legislature and initiatives aimed at advancing Nigeria’s overall development.
