The Member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has defended his performance in office, citing his legislative record and institutional contributions as evidence of effective representation.
Gagdi, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, spoke during a media parley held on Saturday, where he responded to criticisms suggesting that he had underperformed in his second term.
The lawmaker said he had sponsored 58 bills since assuming office, noting that six of them had been assented to by the President.
“I have sponsored 58 bills, with only two co-sponsored, and six have been signed into law. I believe that is a significant achievement,” he said.
He added that beyond lawmaking, he had carried out extensive oversight functions, including engagements with over 187 government agencies and departments, particularly within the naval sector.
Gagdi stressed that the constitutional role of a legislator is not the execution of projects but the enactment of laws and oversight of the executive arm of government.
“Lawmakers are not elected to construct roads or build hospitals. Our responsibility is to make laws that promote peace, order and good governance, and to ensure proper oversight,” he stated.
Highlighting his legislative impact, the lawmaker pointed to his role in the repeal and reenactment of the Police Act, which he described as a major reform of a colonial-era law.
He said the revised Act introduced community policing and addressed issues such as prolonged detention without bail, discrimination against female officers, and provisions that allowed the arrest of relatives of suspects.
According to him, the law has enhanced justice delivery and created employment opportunities across the country through community policing structures.
In the education sector, Gagdi cited his sponsorship of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, noting that the institution, upgraded from a former college of education, has generated employment and expanded access to higher education.
He disclosed that the university has already employed over 200 staff, with approval granted for more than 400 additional positions.
The lawmaker also listed the establishment of the Admiralty University of Nigeria and the National Hydrographic Agency as part of his contributions to national development, particularly in the maritime sector.
Responding to criticisms circulating on social media, Gagdi described claims of inaction as unfounded, insisting that legislative performance should be assessed based on tangible outputs such as laws enacted and institutions created.
“If I return to my constituents and point to these achievements—the Police Act reform, two universities, and a national agency—I believe I have fulfilled my constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
