ASABA/Nigeria: A draft framework for the establishment of a Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) Unit in the Delta State House of Assembly has been presented to members of the legislature, marking a major step toward institutionalizing legislative accountability in the state.
The presentation was one of the key highlights that concluded a three-day workshop organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) for members of the Delta State House of Assembly, parliamentary workers, staff of the Ministry of Justice, and representatives of civil society organizations.
According to the WFD, the training was aimed at producing a validated framework to guide the formal establishment and operation of the Post-Legislative Scrutiny Unit in the Delta State Assembly.
Among those in attendance were the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; principal officers; other lawmakers; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN; the Clerk of the House, Oto Aghoghopia, Esq.; top officials of the Ministry of Justice; and representatives of civil society groups.
In his remarks, Speaker Rt. Hon. Guwor reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to deepening accountability and ensuring that laws passed by the legislature deliver tangible benefits to the people.
He noted that the workshop provided valuable insights into how Post-Legislative Scrutiny could serve as a mechanism for tracking the implementation and real-life impact of laws enacted by the House.
The Speaker explained that while the first two days of the workshop focused on staff and legislators, the third day was dedicated to reviewing the draft framework for establishing the PLS Unit within the Assembly.
“This is a key step toward institutionalizing Post-Legislative Scrutiny in our legislative system. For us, this is about strengthening accountability, transparency, and good governance. It is about ensuring that the laws we pass truly serve the people of Delta State in the best possible way,” Guwor stated.
He encouraged participants to make constructive contributions in refining the framework to ensure the Unit becomes sustainable, functional, and impactful.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, described the initiative as bold and commendable.
Represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, Ohwovoriole affirmed the ministry’s readiness to partner with the Delta State House of Assembly and the WFD in institutionalizing the PLS framework.
“This initiative demonstrates a clear commitment to accountability and effective governance. We must ensure that the laws we enact achieve the results we intend for our people. The Ministry of Justice remains committed to supporting this process,” he said.
In his remarks, the Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, explained that Post-Legislative Scrutiny helps parliaments go beyond lawmaking to assess whether enacted laws are effectively implemented and delivering intended results.
Olorunmola stated that the Delta State programme includes a baseline assessment, targeted capacity building, and the piloting of a dedicated PLS Unit, all designed to strengthen collaboration between the legislature and the executive for improved policy outcomes and citizens’ welfare.
