Delta 8th Assembly Celebrates One Year Anniversary, Reflects on Achievements

The Delta State House of Assembly has commenced its first anniversary to celebrate a year of “steady progress, purposeful and impactful legislative year.”

Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at a press briefing at the Assembly Chapel, Legislators’ Quarters in Asaba, highlighted the House’s achievements and appreciation for the support of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the bureaucracy of the Legislature.

According to Speaker Guwor, the Eight Assembly has lived up to its reputation as the “most vibrant House of Assembly in the country,” drafting and adopting the 8th Legislative Agenda, a policy thrust aligned with the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Governor’s administration which will be unveiled on June 9, 2024, at a reception after a thanksgiving service.

The speaker commended Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the doctrine of separation of powers, emphasizing that this collaboration has enabled the Assembly to effectively discharge its duties, ensuring the benefit and progress of the people of Delta State.

He noted that in fulfillment of their constitutional duties as law makers, the House has screened and confirmed nominees for appointment as members of the State Executive Council and appointment into Government Agencies, Boards and Commissions. The House has also considered some notable motions and adopted resolutions ensuring the welfare and security of Deltans.

Guwor dosclosed that in the period under review, the House received a total of eighteen bills; fifteen executive bills and three private members bills. Out of the eighteen bills, the following nine bills have been passed and three assented to;

1. Supplementary Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 – passed and assented to.
2. Additional Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2022 – passed and assented to.
3. Appropriation Bill, 2024 – passed and assented to.
4. Delta State Merit Award Bill, 2023 – passed and awaiting assent.
5. Delta State Social Investment Programme Bill, 2023 – passed and awaiting assent.
6. Delta State Persons with Disability Bill, 2023 – passed and awaiting assent.
7. Delta State Polytechnic Burutu (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – passed and awaiting assent.
8. Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – passed and awaiting assent.
9. Delta State Administration of Civil Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – passed and awaiting assent.

Furthermore, in the past year, the House has made significant strides in carrying out its constitutional duties, including: Screening and confirming nominees for appointment into the State Executive Council, Government Agencies, Boards, and Commissions, ensuring efficient and effective administration of government in the State.

Considering notable motions and adopting resolutions ensuring the welfare and security of Deltans, such as: A resolution calling on the Governor to ensure security measures to forestall a recurrence of destruction of farm lands and produce by herdsmen in Abraka and its environs. A motion condemning the rising incidence of open sex trade and use of illicit drugs among youths in Asaba and environs.

A motion calling on the Governor to prohibit the use of styrofoam (also known as polystyrene) as cups, plates, or any form of packaging for food or beverages in the State.

Building the capacity of its workforce through training and retraining, ensuring the staff is equipped to support the legislative duties.

The Speaker reiterated the House’s commitment to lawmaking, representation, and oversight, collaborating with the Executive arm to ensure development reaches every part of the State.