By Austin Ogwuda
…. calls for restraint over contentious Ward Delineation in Warri
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor has diplomatically mended fences with Journalists who were locked out from entry during last Wednesday’s presentation of midterm report by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the House.
He tendered the apology during a press conference held in Asaba on Friday, as part of events marking the end of the Second Session and the 2nd Anniversary of the 8th Assembly.
Curiously, the Speaker offered the apology while delivering his address cum score card for the period under review without waiting to be confronted with the question during a question and answer session.
The Speaker noted that “though we had a good number of pressmen who covered that event we are sorry; that was an unfortunate incident”.
Recall that the media was awash with that unfortunate incident.
Responding during a vote of thanks on behalf of the press, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyowe commended the Speaker for the display of sportsmanship by tendering apology.
Oyowe, who said that he was among the journalists locked out that very day, advised that in future, TV viewing centres should be mounted within the Assembly premises for journalists who might not be accommodated inside due to congestion, explaining that such state assignment expectedly attracts unprecedented crowd including large turn out of media men.
…. calls for restraint over Ward Delineation in Warri
The Speaker in response to a question concerning the contentious issue over ward delineation, has this to say.
“Delineation of wards is part of the democratic process and should not be a source of conflict among brothers and sisters. To everyone in Warri Federal Constituency, I urge restraint, dialogue, and maturity.
“The matter is already being handled by the relevant federal agencies. Let us give peace a chance. Peace is not weakness; it is strength guided by wisdom. Whether you are Ijaw, Itsekiri, or Urhobo, our unity remains our strength”.
Reels out achievements
The Speaker also highlighted several landmark Bills passed, oversight activities as well as collaborative engagements with the executive arm of government that have strengthened governance and development in the State.
According to him, “We have received, considered, and passed a number of impactful Bills and motions that directly touch the lives of Deltans. These are critical laws aimed at promoting education, healthcare, youth empowerment, infrastructural development, environmental protection, security, and economic growth.
“The House received a total of sixteen bills, eight Executive Bills and eight Private Member’s Bills. Of these, seven were passed by the House and six have been assented to by His Excellency, the Governor, while one is being prepared for assent.
“The remaining eight”, he went on, “are currently under consideration. Additionally, nine bills received by the House in the First Session scaled Third Reading, were passed, and subsequently assented to by the Governor during the period under review.
“These include the Delta State Child Rights (Amendment) Law, 2024; 2023 Amended Revised Appropriation Law, 2024; Delta State College of Health Technology, Ofurode Law, 2024; Southern Delta University, Ozoro (Establishment) Law, 2024; Appropriation Law, 2025; Supplementary Appropriation Law, 2024; Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu (Amendment) Law, 2024; Delta State Urban and Regional Planning Law, 2024; Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency (Amendment) Law, 2024; Delta State Film and Video Censors Board Law, 2024; Delta State Registration and Regulation of Private Veterinary Clinics Law, 2024; Special Offences Court (Amendment) Law, 2024; Delta State Pet Control and Responsible Ownership Law, 2024; Delta State Human Trafficking (Prohibition) Law, 2024; and Delta State Electricity Power Sector Law, 2024.
“The cumulative effect of these laws is to entrench good governance, ensure the rule of law, uphold child rights, prevent human trafficking, promote the welfare and security of the people, expand access to tertiary education, ensure regular and uninterrupted electricity supply, and foster development across key sectors of the state, all in alignment with the M.O.R.E Agenda”.
