By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State House of Assembly on Wednesday resumed plenary after its annual recess, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor urging lawmakers to return to legislative duties with renewed commitment as the state approaches the 2027 general elections.
Guwor made the call while welcoming members back to the chamber at the resumption of plenary, stressing the need for the Assembly to give priority to pending legislative business and maintain a peaceful political atmosphere ahead of the elections.
The Speaker congratulated the government and people of Delta State on the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation, describing the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the progress recorded since the state was established.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his administration for the recently organised Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, describing the initiative as an important step towards attracting investment and opening up new economic opportunities across the state.
According to Guwor, the summit provided a platform for showcasing the investment potential of Delta State and connecting the state with domestic and international investors.
He assured the executive arm of the government’s continued legislative support in creating an enabling environment for investment, entrepreneurship and economic development.
Guwor also described the expansion of representation in the Delta State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections as a historic development.
The number of State constituencies has increased from 29 to 38, creating nine additional constituencies and expanding the scope of representation in the legislature.
The Speaker said the development would provide more communities with direct representation in the Assembly and strengthen their participation in the democratic process.
The development follows steps by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore additional constituencies in Delta State, including the Abraka, Isoko North II and Ughelli South II constituencies, pursuant to court judgments.
Guwor’s address also focused strongly on the 2027 electoral season, with the Speaker calling on political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid violence and inflammatory rhetoric.
He urged political actors to make ideas, policies, competence, character and service the focus of their campaigns, rather than allowing political contests to degenerate into bitterness and division.
The Speaker said the approaching elections placed a special responsibility on politicians and public officials to protect the peace and stability of the state.
The 2027 campaign season has already commenced at the national level, with the presidential and National Assembly campaign window opening on August 19, while campaigns for governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled to begin on September 9.
Turning to the Assembly’s legislative agenda, Guwor urged lawmakers to approach the remaining part of the legislative calendar with renewed vigour.
He particularly charged committee chairmen and members to expedite work on pending Bills, Motions and Petitions and ensure that the Assembly’s legislative responsibilities receive the necessary attention.
The Speaker also encouraged members to translate the knowledge acquired during their leadership training at the London Business School into practical improvements in their legislative duties.
Guwor expressed optimism that the resumed session would enable the Assembly to consolidate its legislative achievements and deliver further measures aimed at advancing good governance and the welfare of Deltans.
The House is entering the final phase of the 8th Assembly’s tenure, making the period particularly significant for completing outstanding legislative business before the 2027 elections.
