A recent report by OrderPaper, claiming that Hon. Kareem Abisodun Were, alongside five other Oyo lawmakers, posted zero bills in the first year of the 10th National Assembly, has been debunked as misleading. Verified documents from the National Assembly reveal that Hon. Kareem has sponsored multiple significant bills, including those advocating for the creation of Oke-Ogun State, the establishment of the Nigerian Cashew Utilization Board, and reforms in healthcare and agriculture, countering the publication’s claims.
Claim:
OrderPaper, in an article dated September 19, 2024, titled “10th NASS Report Card: 6 Oyo Reps Post Zero Bill in One Year”, claimed that Hon. Kareem Abisodun Were, along with five other Oyo representatives, posted zero bills in their first year of the 10th National Assembly.
Verdict:
False and Misleading. Hon. Kareem Abisodun Were has actively sponsored and promoted several bills in the National Assembly during the period under review, as verifiable through official documents and order papers.
Evidence Debunking the Claim:
The assertion that Hon. Kareem Abisodun Were sponsored zero bills in the National Assembly is demonstrably false based on the following evidence:
- Federal Medical Center Act:
- Hon. Kareem Abisodun Were sponsored this bill aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of his constituency and the country at large by establishing a Federal Medical Center. This bill is part of his legislative efforts during the first year of his term.
- Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act:
- This bill, sponsored by Hon. Kareem, focuses on advancing research in agriculture, a sector critical to Nigeria’s economy. It highlights his contributions to improving agricultural productivity and innovation.
- Bill Seeking the Creation of Oke-Ogun State (March 20, 2024):
- One of Hon. Kareem’s notable contributions is his sponsorship of the bill advocating for the creation of Oke-Ogun State with Saki as its capital. The National Assembly official document supports this, and it can be verified in the National Assembly’s website.
4. Nigerian Cashew Utilization Board (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1359):
- On June 5, 2024, Hon. Kareem Abisodun Were sponsored this bill, which was presented in the House of Representatives for its first reading. This bill aimed at establishing a cashew utilization board is intended to enhance the economic potential of cashew production in Nigeria. The record is available on the Order Paper for the day.
5. Information Technology and Innovation Bill:
- Another crucial bill sponsored by Hon. Kareem that focuses on driving innovation and the advancement of information technology in Nigeria. This bill underscores his commitment to fostering technological growth in his constituency and beyond.
6. Constitutional Amendment Bill for Oke-Ogun State Creation (HB.1258):
- This bill, introduced by Hon. Kareem, seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the creation of Oke-Ogun State with Saki as its capital. It was presented for second reading on May 16, 2024, as seen in the House of Representatives Order Paper.
Conclusion:
The claim by OrderPaper that Hon. Kareem Abisodun Were has posted zero bills in the first year of the 10th National Assembly is false and misleading. Hon. Kareem has, in fact, been an active legislator, sponsoring multiple bills, all of which can be verified through official National Assembly documents. This misleading report undermines his efforts and contributions to the legislative process and creates a false narrative about his performance.
