By Austin Ogwuda
MEMBERS of the Delta State House of Assembly resumed plenary on Wednesday, observing one-minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives during the ill-fated petrol tanker fire that occurred recently at Agbor, Ika South local government area of the State.
Addressing the House, the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor said , “I cannot end this address without mentioning the sad incident of the tanker fire explosion that happened on Sunday, 5th January, 2025 in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, which led to the tragic loss of lives and property.
“On behalf of the House, I commiserate with the families of those that lost their lives and the people of Ika South Local Government Area. I pray that God Almighty will grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and bring comfort to their homes”.
Deputy Majority Leader who represents Ika South Constituency, Hon. Festus Okoh while thanking the House for their solidarity called on the State government to equip the State Fire Service to enable them deliver prompt and better service in the event of such occurrence.
Reeling out some notable achievements of the House in 2024, the Speaker said, “Dear colleagues, before we adjourned for the Christmas and New year holidays, the House passed into law some critical Bills that will facilitate the implementation of the MORE Agenda of this administration that is poised in ensuring the development of the State, the welfare and security of the people.
“Some of the Bills passed by the House and assented to by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, are: Appropriation Law, 2025; University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, Establishment (Amendment) Law, 2024; Delta State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (Amendment) Law, 2024; Delta State Human Trafficking (Prohibition) Law, 2024; Special Offences Court (Amendment) Law, 2024; and Delta State Protection of Persons with Disability Law, 2024.
“Distinguished colleagues, the 2025 Budget of the State provides for massive infrastructural development in all sectors across the State, as well as, human capital development. It is therefore incumbent on us as Members of the House vide the Standing Committees to oversight government spending priorities through collaborative efforts with the Executive arm of government.
“I wish to state unequivocally that the Legislature and the Executive Arms of Government are democratic vehicles in the society for the appropriation, mobilisation and deployment of resources for the development, welfare and security of the State and the people. The House will ensure that government expenditures reflect value for money”, Guwor stated.
“As we have resumed plenary”, he went on, “I want to urge Chairmen and Members of Committees to expedite action on all pending Bills before their Committees. We need to conclude action on all pending Bills before the end of the Second Session in the month of June this year.
“My dear colleagues, without mincing words, I very much deeply appreciate the stability and unity that we have built and enjoyed since the inauguration of the 8th Assembly. Any society devoid of dissent is like living in a fools paradise. However, let our actions be guided by good conscience at all times. Together, we must work for the progress of Delta State”
The Speaker also commended the Governor for embarking on the spot inspection of ongoing projects in the State, saying that the House will also ensure that government expenditures reflect the value of money.
Appreciating Lawmakers for their unwavering support, Guwor commended management and Staff of the State Assembly as well as the media for their commitment to work while he sued for more collaboration.
