By Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Rt. Hon. Guwor Emomotimi Dennis, the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, delivered a compelling address at a press briefing held at the Assembly Chapel, Legislators’ Quarters Asaba, to mark the first anniversary of the Eight Assembly.
The event, which took place on Tuesday, saw the Speaker highlighting the achievements and milestones reached by the House over the past year.
In his opening remarks, the Speaker expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, for his unwavering support in facilitating the smooth functioning of the legislative body. He also commended the dedicated team of Principal Officers and Honourable Members for their relentless efforts and the Assembly’s bureaucracy for their role in ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
According to the Speaker, the 8th Assembly, renowned as “the most vibrant House of Assembly in the country,” has maintained its reputation and even raised the bar of excellence. The drafting and adoption of the 8th Legislative Agenda, a responsible and responsive policy trust aligned with the M.O.R.E Agenda, stands as a testament to their commitment to serving the people of Delta State.
He maintains that throughout the year, the House has engaged in strategic partnerships, interventions, cooperation, and collaboration with the Executive and Judicial arms of government, as well as other stakeholders. These efforts have greatly contributed to the implementation of the M.O.R.E Agenda, the Governor’s vision for Delta State.
Notably, Speaker Guwor said the House fulfilled its constitutional duties by screening and confirming nominees for various government agencies, boards, and commissions. This comprehensive list includes the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Delta State Local Government Service Commission, and many others. Such confirmations aim to ensure efficient and effective governance in the state, with regular oversight conducted by the House’s committees.
During the past year, the Speaker added that the House also addressed various societal issues through motions and resolutions. Some of these include condemning the destruction of farmlands by herdsmen, addressing the rising incidence of open sex trade and drug use among youths, and advocating for the prohibition of styrofoam usage in food and beverage packaging.
He pointed out that Legislative productivity was evident in the consideration of eighteen bills, of which nine have been passed and three have received assent. The bills cover a range of sectors, such as finance, social investment, disability rights, and justice administration. The remaining bills are currently undergoing consideration before the House, demonstrating their dedication to positively impacting the lives of Deltans.
The Speaker took the opportunity to clarify recent concerns regarding the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS). He emphasized that the incident was not unique to the Delta State House of Assembly, as it is part of a national issue. The State Government has already established a committee to address the matter, with implementation details being finalized. The welfare of the Assembly’s staff remains a priority, and the House continues to invest in their capacity building through training and good working relationships.
As the Eight Assembly moves forward into its second session, the Speaker assured the public of their commitment to fulfilling their mandate of lawmaking, representation, and oversight. Collaboration with the Executive arm of government will be pursued to ensure development reaches every corner of the state, with particular attention to alleviating economic hardships faced by the people.
In conclusion, the Speaker expressed gratitude to the media for their support in creating visibility and prominence for the Assembly’s activities. He called on the media to use their influential position to safeguard the development and growth of the Legislature, as it stands as the hallmark of true democracy.
The press briefing concluded with an invitation to all attendees to join in the various activities planned to commemorate the first anniversary of the Eight Assembly. The Speaker concluded by expressing appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his support and respect for the rule of law and the doctrine of separation of powers.
The Delta State House of Assembly remains committed to serving the people of Delta State, and with their unwavering dedication, they strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of every citizen.
