By: Ekunkonye Junior in Abuja.

The Senate Press Corps has honoured Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, as the most outstanding Deputy Senate President since return to democracy in 1999.

The award was conferred on Tuesday at the National Assembly based on assessment by journalists who have covered parliament since June 1999.

According to citation, Barau leads predecessors with 49 bills sponsored within 40 months of the current 10th Senate.

Five of the bills have been passed into law and assented to by the President, including bills that established North West Development Commission, Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo and Federal Medical Centre, Gwarzo.

The Press Corps noted that Barau is the only Deputy Senate President since 1999 to have chaired Appropriations Committee in both chambers – House of Representatives and Senate.

His current position as Deputy Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament was also cited as distinguishing factor.

Responding, Barau described the honour as propeller to do more, saying recognition is both acknowledgement and challenge.

“I am truly grateful and deeply appreciate this gesture. By conferring this honour on me, you are not only acknowledging what I have done but also challenging me to do more,” he said.

He assured journalists, the Senate, National Assembly and Nigerians that he would not let them down, pledging to do more for development of legislature and country.