By Austin Ogwuda
MEMBERS of the Delta State House of Assembly have passed a Bill known as the ‘Delta State Merit Award Scheme’ aimed at rewarding individuals and corporate bodies adequately for contributing to the development of Delta State in one way or the other.
It was a private member Bill sponsored by the Majority Leader who is also representing Aniocha North constituency in the House, Hon Emeka Nwaobi as the lead sponsor.
At Tuesday sitting, the Bill was read the Third time and passed after it was considered Clause by Clause at the Committee of the Whole presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor.
When assented by the governor the Bill therefore replaces similar existing Delta State Law of 2008.
The new one, provides for constitution of Delta State Merit Award Governing Council to be invested with powers to constitute an adhoc Advisory Committee to help in the selection process.
To be qualified such a person must have rendered meritorious services of a public nature be it in the public service of the State or has achieved distinction in a chosen occupation, profession, calling or in any field of human endeavor, or other criteria as may be approved by the Council, amongst other recommendations.
The Speaker said the Bill when assented to by the Governor “would in no small way reward persons or organizations who have served the State meritoriously pointing out that reward for meritorious service would encourage those still serving to put in their best”.
Emeka Nwaobi also said the objective of the law is to reward deserving personalities and corporate bodies who have made outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Delta State.
