ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State House of Assembly has resumed plenary after a five-week recess, with a renewed focus on ensuring the steady growth of democratic governance in the state.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor in his message, welcomed lawmakers to the Hallowed Chamber, by urging them to be vigilant and proactive in the challenging task that lies ahead.
The House had adjourned for recess on August 2, 2023, to allow members to prepare for legislative business. The Speaker used the occasion to commend the professionalism displayed by members during the screening of Commissioner nominees and other government appointees before the recess.
Addressing the hardship faced by Deltans and Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidies, Guwor emphasized the legislature’s commitment to the security and welfare of the people. He also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving ten billion naira as palliative support for constituents and pledged continued legislative support for policies and programs that promote development and the well-being of the people.
During the recess, members were expected to engage with their constituents to align them with the M.O.R.E Agenda of the state government. Guwor urged lawmakers to encourage constituents to take ownership and actively participate in government while emphasizing the importance of upholding their oath of membership in carrying out legislative duties.
During the plenary session, the House screened and confirmed the appointments of nominees for the reconstituted Governing Board of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, including Mr. Joseph Otirue as chairman and Anslem Nwokenye, Dame Minnie Igbrude, and Philomena Ededey as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Members respectively.
Similarly, nominees for the reconstituted Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) were screened and confirmed. The DSIEC appointees include Mr. Jerry Agbaike as Chairman, James Umukoro, Friday Edmund Seimode, Light Diden, Imasua Azogbulem, Chris Onwuma, and Frank Oru as members. The Majority Leader of the House, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, moved motions for their confirmations, which were adopted.
Guwor congratulated the newly appointed officials and commended lawmakers for their diligent screening process. He charged the appointees to be diligent in their roles and contribute to the realization of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda.
In a related development, a Bill for an additional Supplementary Budget for the Delta State 2023 Fiscal year passed its first reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly. The proposed supplementary bill, totaling N166.5 Billion, was presented to the House by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for consideration and possible passage.
The bill includes N120.2 Billion for Capital expenditures and N46.3 Billion for Recurrent expenditures. Governor Oborevwori justified the need for the additional supplementary budget, citing its alignment with the MORE agenda of his administration.
The Speaker announced that the second reading of the bill is scheduled for Thursday, September 7, 2023. Earlier this year, in May, the State Assembly passed a N71 Billion Supplementary Appropriation Bill for the 2023 Fiscal year ending December 31.
Additionally, during Tuesday’s plenary session, the House received a letter from State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori nominating Dr. Austin Obidi and Isaac Akporveta as Chairman and Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission Board. The Speaker directed the nominees to submit 35 copies of their curriculum vitae by Monday, September 11, and scheduled their screening for Tuesday, September 12.
The House adjourned its sitting until Thursday of the same week.
