ASABA/Nigeria: In the end, democracy is not about individuals but about all of us. And today, by lifting Natasha’s suspension and ending emergency rule in Rivers, Nigeria’s democracy has breathed again, stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, on Thursday declared open a three-day retreat for members and staff of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations, with a charge to deepen their legislative capacity in handling the appropriation process.
The retreat, holding at the Assembly Complex in Asaba, is themed “An Overview of the Appropriation Process in Delta State House of Assembly: Practices, Issues and Recommendations.” It is being led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Marilyn Okowa-Daramola.
In his remarks, Speaker Guwor described the retreat as timely and significant, particularly as it comes ahead of the presentation of the 2026 budget estimates by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He stressed that the appropriation process remains central to legislative governance, noting that the “power of the purse” is one of the most critical responsibilities of the legislature.
“As lawmakers, we must appreciate that every line in the budget is not just a figure but a statement of intent on how government resources should translate into the wellbeing of our people,” Guwor stated. “The Finance and Appropriations Committee has a crucial role in ensuring the passage of a realistic budget that balances revenue projections with expenditure profiles.”
Flanked by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowovwo, and other principal officers, the Speaker commended the Africa Parliamentary Resource Center (APRC) for facilitating the programme and for its consistent support in strengthening legislative institutions across the country.
He expressed delight over the choice of facilitators, led by APRC Executive Director Dr. John Mutu, alongside Prof. Uzochukwu Amakom and Dr. Innocent Mebiri, describing them as resource persons with vast experience.
According to Guwor, the retreat offers participants a platform to re-examine existing appropriation practices, identify bottlenecks, learn from comparative experiences, and propose practical recommendations that would strengthen legislative oversight of public finances. He urged participants to approach the sessions with open minds, stressing that the ultimate goal is to build capacity for prudent allocation and effective utilisation of public resources in Delta State.
Earlier, Committee Chairman Hon. Okowa-Daramola said the workshop would strengthen the committee’s work ahead of the next budget preparation season. She expressed her desire to make the committee a model of legislative excellence and a true bridge between government and the people.
Dr. Mutu, in his address, commended the Speaker’s leadership in repositioning the legislature at both state and national levels. He underscored the need for improved facilities, including digitalisation of committee activities, to further strengthen the committee’s work and appealed for necessary interventions.
Topics lined up for discussion during the three-day sessions include: “Reflections on the Mandate and Current Practices in the House,” “An Overview of the Budget Preparation Process,” “Performance Review of 2024 and 2025 Half-Year Budgets,” “Simulation Exercises on Appropriation and Oversight,” as well as “Reflections on Budget Financing and the Implications for the MORE Agenda.”
