The critique from “Oyo Must Be Good” (OMBG) against Hon. Akin Alabi’s statements about the benefits of being a ranking member in the National Assembly overlooks the broader significance of experience and continuity in the legislative process. Ranking members—those with multiple terms in office—play a vital role in shaping national policies, securing projects, and influencing decisions in ways that newer members simply cannot due to their limited experience and lack of seniority within the system.
Seniority Equals Influence in Legislative Committees
In the House of Representatives, many key decisions are made within committees, which are often chaired or influenced by ranking members. Seniority grants access to these influential positions where lawmakers can push for constituency-specific projects and national policies. Ranking members are more likely to be assigned chairmanship or deputy chairmanship positions in powerful committees, such as Appropriations, Finance, Petroleum, or Defense, which control significant aspects of governance and funding.
For instance, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who served multiple terms in the House, was able to rise through the ranks to become Speaker of the House of Representatives. His leadership allowed him to secure critical legislation and foster collaborations between the executive and legislative arms. Similarly, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a ranking member, played a pivotal role as the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, ensuring his constituency benefited from the budgetary process through various constituency projects.
Continuity Ensures the Completion of Long-Term Projects
Many infrastructure and developmental projects are not completed within the typical four-year legislative cycle. Ranking members, having built relationships within the National Assembly and the executive branch, are in a better position to ensure continuity and completion of such long-term initiatives. A first-term lawmaker might start a project, but a ranking member can guarantee its follow-through by leveraging their accumulated political capital and experience.
A clear example is Senator Ahmed Lawan, who, due to his long-standing service in the National Assembly, was able to champion numerous projects for his constituency, including the establishment of universities and health centers. His position as a ranking member, and eventually Senate President, enabled him to push for projects that had stalled under less experienced legislators.
Institutional Memory and Legislative Expertise
Ranking members bring institutional memory and legislative expertise, which are invaluable in the lawmaking process. They understand the intricacies of parliamentary procedures and can navigate the complex relationship between the legislature, executive, and judiciary more effectively. The Nigerian legislative process is notoriously slow, and inexperienced lawmakers often struggle to adapt quickly. In contrast, a ranking member like Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, who has served multiple terms, knows how to draft bills, lobby for support, and get them passed into law—skills that only come with time.
For example, ranking members were instrumental in the passage of key laws, such as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Finance Act, which required seasoned legislators who understood both the technical details and political nuances necessary to build consensus across different interest groups.
Access to National Resources and Influence in Budgeting
A ranking member’s seniority and influence often translate into more significant allocations of resources to their constituencies. Because they are entrusted with more significant responsibilities in committee assignments, they can influence the allocation of federal projects. This direct access to national resources benefits not only the individual lawmaker but also their constituents.
For example, in the South-South, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, a ranking member from Delta State, has been able to influence the distribution of projects, particularly in the oil-producing regions, due to his long-standing service in the House and his deep knowledge of the budgeting process. His ability to secure developmental projects for his region stems directly from his position as a ranking member with a wealth of experience.
Conclusion: Ranking Members Bring Strategic Advantages to Constituencies
Hon. Akin Alabi’s argument about the advantages of having ranking members in the National Assembly is neither trivial nor misleading. While new lawmakers can bring fresh perspectives, ranking members offer proven advantages such as influence in key legislative processes, continuity of developmental projects, and a deeper understanding of the political landscape. These benefits are not abstract; they have real, measurable impacts on the lives of constituents.
Rather than downplaying the importance of experience, we should acknowledge that in the context of Nigerian governance—where long-term projects, committee influence, and budgetary allocations shape development—having a ranking member can be a significant advantage for any constituency. The idea of “ranking” is not merely a political tool but a reflection of accumulated experience that directly serves the people.
Akin Alabi’s contributions and his push for a third term should be evaluated on these merits: his ability to secure projects, push for legislative reforms, and leverage his experience for the benefit of Egbeda/Ona-Ara and beyond.
