Confusion in Kano Assembly as Report Claims Speaker, Deputy Sponsored No Bills in 2024
A fresh wave of controversy has swept through the Kano State House of Assembly following a report by Freedom Radio Nigeria alleging that Speaker Ismail Jibrin Falgore and his deputy, Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, did not sponsor any bills during the 2024 legislative year.
The report, which reviewed the legislative performance of Assembly members, revealed that seven lawmakers, including the Speaker and his deputy, did not sponsor a single bill.
Others named were Zubairu Hamza Massu (Sumaila), Lawan Shehu Bichi (Bichi), Garba Shehu Fammar (Kibiya), Murtala Musa Kore (Dambatta), and Haruna Yunusa Kayyu (Gwarzo).
Falgore represents Rogo Local Government, while Butu-Butu represents the Rimingado/Tofa Constituency.
Freedom Radio’s findings have triggered public debate, especially as other members showed varying levels of legislative activity. Rano’s lawmaker, Ibrahim Muhammad Malami, was reported to have sponsored 18 bills.
Public affairs analyst Shehu Muhammad Fagge commented on the issue, saying, “No, it’s not necessary for Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria to sponsor or present bills, but it’s important and expected — especially because he is the representative of his people,” Fagge said.
“Even though the Speaker’s main duty is to preside, maintain order, and guide debates, that doesn’t stop him from presenting bills or motions. In fact, people from his constituency expect him to do so — to speak for them, to push for laws that will improve their lives,” he added.
In response, the House’s spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai, challenged the report. “The report by Freedom Radio is riddled with factual errors and fails to capture the full scope of the Speaker’s performance in 2024,” Shawai told reporters.
Mr. Shawai added, “Rt. Hon. Ismail Falgore presided over all sittings of the House with diligence, and his leadership role has been instrumental to the smooth running of the Assembly. It is wrong and unfair to judge his contribution solely by the number of bills sponsored.”
He urged the public to disregard the report. Freedom Radio, however, stood by its findings, saying they were based on official legislative records.
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