By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Delta State House of Assembly, Tuesday, resumed plenary after six week recess, with a charge on members to brace up to legislative assignments in line with the agenda of the 8th Assembly.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, while welcoming the lawmakers back from the break, urged them to consolidate on their core duties of law making, representation and oversight for the overall good of their constituents.
He said “It is refreshing to see all of you back to plenary. As usual with so much joy in my heart I welcome you back to plenary from our annual recess.
“I believe this past six weeks outside this hallowed chamber has been eventful as well as refreshing. I am sure it provided us with ample opportunity to engage with our constituents and other critical stakeholders. Essentially, I believe it also afforded us valuable room for assessment and review of our Legislative duties and engagements thus far.
“It is my expectation that we should work assiduously to close any gaps that have been identified, improve on the areas we have done well and ensure we consolidate on our core duties of law making, representation and oversight, for the overall good of our constituents. This will be intentional and forward-looking”.
Rt Hon commended the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for steering the wheel of governance in the right direction, and the State Executive council for graciously approving the new minimum wage in the State as well as for setting up a Committee to work out the consequential adjustments for its implementation.
“Distinguished colleagues, as you know the recess also provided an opportunity for us to participate in a Leadership Development Programme, which no doubt, has further equipped us, broaden our horizon and deepen our capacity to deliver on our mandate. I therefore, look forward to a more robust, incisive and clinical approach to issues in plenary and Committee assignments.
“The Legislature is a critical arm of government, and together with the other arms of government are obligated to ensure the welfare and security of our people.
“On behalf of the Legislature, I wish to profoundly thank and specially commend His Excellency, Rt. Hon.( Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, for his outstanding capacity and leadership in addressing State issues that emanated during the period of our recess. We will continue to provide legislative support for His Excellency, the Governor in pursuit of the M.O.R.E Agenda”, Guwor stated.
Continuing the Speaker pointed out that “by the instrumentality of appropriation by the House, the State Executive Council in line with his M.O.R.E. agenda has recently approved several road projects that will directly impact 23 out of the 25 Local Government Areas of the State.
“To enhance healthcare services for our constituents, the Government also approved the purchase of two Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanning Machines for the Warri Central Hospital and Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. This is beside approval for renovation of one hundred and fifty primary health centers across the State”.
Guwor disclosed that the House is in synergy with the Executive in promoting harmonious labour and government relationship.
He therefore commended the Governor for approving the new minimum wage and for setting up a Committee to work out the consequential adjustments for its implementation.
“In the same vein, I want to assure the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria ( PASAN) in the House that the issue of CONLESS is receiving positive attention. I therefore sue for your understanding and cooperation.
“As we begin plenary today, more than ever before, we will continue to support the Executive through legislative measures and interventions in line with the 8th Assembly Legislative Agenda. We will also ensure the synergy needed to see to the full realization of the M.O.R.E Agenda for the benefit of Deltans”, Guwor assured.
The Speaker thanked the Principal Officers and Members of the House for their cooperation and unwavering support.
“By deed and action, you have proven that we are one family knitted together for the common good of our constituents. I do not take for granted your love and prayers for me. Always remember, UNITY IS MAJORITY”, he said.
The Speaker reminded Standing Committees of the House, saddled with different Bills to turn them in for consideration by Committee of the Whole House, especially, as they approach the end of the year.