Senator, Barrister Mohammed Tahir Monguno
Mohammed Tahir Monguno, born on 12 February 1966, is a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician. Currently serving as the senator representing Borno North Senatorial District in the 10th Assembly, Monguno has had a distinguished career in both law and politics. His journey includes significant roles such as the Chief Whip of the 9th House of Representatives and multiple terms as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Marte/Monguno/Nganzai Federal Constituency of Borno State.
The Important Issues Facing Our Nation:
- Entitlement Reform
- Criminal Justice Reform
- Foreign Policy
- The Economy
- Education
- Veteran Healthcare
Early Life and Education
Mohammed Tahir Monguno was born on 12 February 1966. He began his education at Monguno Central Primary School and later attended Government Secondary School (GSS) Ngala, Borno State, where he obtained his Senior School Certificate. Pursuing a career in law, he studied at the University of Maiduguri, graduating in 1989. He furthered his legal education at the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990.
Legal and Early Political Career
Before fully diving into politics, Monguno had an illustrious career in private legal practice. From 1992 to 2003, he was the Principal Solicitor at Monguno Kura Chambers. Concurrently, he contributed to academia as a senior lecturer of law at Borno State College of Legal Studies (now Mohammed Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies) until 1999. In 2000, he played a pivotal role as a committee member on the Application of Sharia Law in Borno State.
Monguno’s initial foray into politics was in 1992 when, at the age of 26, he was elected to the House of Representatives. However, his tenure was cut short by the 1993 military coup, which led to the abrupt end of all elected representatives’ terms.
Political Career
House of Representatives
In 2007, Monguno returned to the House of Representatives, representing the Marte/Nganzai/Monguno Federal Constituency. His political career in the House spanned multiple terms in the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th assemblies. During the 9th Assembly, he served as the Chief Whip. Before re-entering the House, he held several significant positions in Borno State’s government, including:
- Honorable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General (2003-2005)
- Honorable Commissioner for Education (2005-2006)
- Honorable Commissioner for Water Resources (2006-2007)
Throughout his tenure, Monguno demonstrated a commitment to legislative excellence and governance.
Committee Membership and Chairmanship
Over the years, Monguno has held various leadership and membership roles in numerous House committees, including:
- Vice-chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs (1991-1992)
- Chairman, Committee on FCT Council Areas (2007-2011)
- Chairman, Committee on Agriculture (2011-2019)
- Member, Committees on Communications, Public Petitions, Power, and Constitutional Review
Legislative Activities
Monguno has been an active participant in legislative activities, moving significant motions and sponsoring bills aimed at national development and security. Notably, he co-moved a motion with 14 other representatives urging the President to sack the Service Chiefs due to the worsening security situation and Boko Haram attacks in the North East. He also called for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security.
In May 2020, Monguno sponsored a bill to amend the 1999 constitution to allow for independent candidacy in elections, arguing it would create a level playing field for all Nigerians. Despite facing opposition, this move highlighted his dedication to democratic reforms.
