Who Is The Current Deputy Senate President Of Nigeria? (2024)
The current Deputy Senate President of Nigeria is Barau I. Jibrin. Barau I. Jibrin, born on June 19, 1959, is a prominent Nigerian politician currently serving as the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate.
He assumed this role on June 13, 2023, succeeding Ovie Omo-Agege. Representing Kano North since 2015, he has been an active member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party.
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In 1999, he was elected to represent the Tarauni Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. During his tenure, he chaired several committees, including the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Power.
He was appointed to review Nigeria’s budgetary process by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. After his term in the House of Representatives, Jibrin ventured into private practice but remained involved in politics.
He served in different capacities within the Kano State Government and he was an important part of the formation of the APC in Kano State in 2013.
In 2015, he successfully contested the election for the Kano North Senatorial District under the APC banner. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, he was the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETfund.
Jibrin’s expertise in accounting led to his appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations during the 9th Senate.
Additionally, he served on several other representatives, including Police Affairs, Industries, Environment, and Inter-Parliamentary Affairs.
In 2023, Jibrin was reelected for a third term to represent Kano North Senatorial District and was subsequently elected as Deputy Senate President. His unopposed endorsement by his colleagues underscores his reputation and influence within the Senate.
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What Is The Role Of Deputy Senate President In Nigeria?
The deputy Senate president plays an important part in the legislative arm of the Nigerian government. As the second-highest-ranking officer in the Senate, they serve as the principal assistant and adviser to the Senate president.
One of the primary responsibilities of the deputy Senate president is to preside over the Senate’s plenary sessions in the absence of the Senate president.
This involves maintaining order, recognizing senators who wish to speak, and ensuring that the proceedings adhere to the established rules and procedures.
The deputy Senate president also has the authority to cast a vote on any matter before the Senate, just like other senators.
In addition to presiding over the Senate, the deputy Senate president may also serve as a member or chairperson of various Senate committees.
These committees are responsible for conducting in-depth investigations, monitoring bills, and overseeing specific areas of government operations.
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As a committee member or chair, the deputy Senate president is important in shaping legislation and holding the executive branch accountable.
Furthermore, the deputy Senate president represents the Senate at official functions, meetings, and events, particularly when the Senate president is unable to attend.
This includes hosting visiting dignitaries, attending interparliamentary conferences, and representing the Senate at national and international forums.
Another important aspect of the deputy Senate president’s role is providing guidance and counsel to the Senate president on matters related to the administration and management of the Senate.
This includes advising on parliamentary procedures, resolving disputes, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the legislative process.
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