AHMED LAWAN

Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan born 12 January 1959 is a Nigerian politician and professor who served as the 14th President of the Nigerian Senate from 2019 to 2023. Representing the Yobe North Senatorial District, he is a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Lawan was born in Gashua, in the northern part of what was then British Nigeria. He completed his primary education at Sabon Gari Primary School in 1974 and his secondary education at Government Secondary School, Gashua, in 1979. He earned a bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Maiduguri in 1984, followed by a master's degree in Remote Sensing from Ahmadu Bello University in 1990, and a doctorate in Remote Sensing/GIS from Cranfield University in 1996.

Lawan began his career in the Yobe State Civil Service as an Education Officer in the Ministry of Education in 1985 and 1986. He later joined the University of Maiduguri as a lecturer from 1987 to 1997. His political career took off in 1999 when he was elected to the House of Representatives for the Bade/Jakusko Constituency under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He was re-elected in 2003 and subsequently transitioned to the Senate in 2007, representing Yobe North.

Throughout his tenure in the National Assembly, Lawan chaired various committees, including those on Education and Agriculture in the House of Representatives. In the Senate, he led the Committee on Public Accounts and was actively involved in constitutional review efforts. In 2009, he sponsored the Desertification Control Commission Bill and vocally opposed the proposed Kafin Zaki Dam due to its potential environmental impacts.

Lawan's bid for the Senate Presidency in 2015 was unsuccessful, losing to Senator Bukola Saraki. However, his perseverance paid off in 2019 when he was elected Senate President after defeating Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume with 79 votes to 28. During his presidency, Lawan was instrumental in passing significant legislation, including the Petroleum Industry Bill, though this was later marred by allegations of bribery, which he denied.

Re-elected to the Senate in 2011, 2015, and 2019, Lawan's political influence continued to grow. In August 2023, he was named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence.

In recognition of his service, Lawan was awarded the Nigerian national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in October 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ahmad Lawan is not only a seasoned politician but also an academic who has contributed significantly to Nigeria's legislative processes. He continues to be an influential figure in Nigerian politics, advocating for development and addressing key issues affecting his constituents and the nation at large.

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