ASABA/Nigeria: The members of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly have commenced a four-day post-induction retreat in Asaba, with a strong emphasis on the pursuit of excellence in leadership and governance within the state.
Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, the Speaker of the House, inaugurated the retreat, tracing its origin back to the pre-inauguration induction training held for members from May 8th to 12th, 2023, in Abuja. Guwor underscored the crucial role that legislators play as representatives of the people and strategic partners in government, emphasizing that the government can only utilize state resources as approved by the Legislature.
He expressed the commitment of the 8th Assembly to prioritize training and capacity building for its members, and noted that the retreat aims to equip lawmakers with essential insights into navigating complex governance issues during their legislative duties.
He stated, “As legislators, you need more than common sense in applying the Standing Orders and Rules of the House, as well as your approach in oversight functions in Committee assignments. The strategy and skill sets for well-informed and meaningful debates, as well as other legislative functions, must be deliberately learned.”
Guwor expressed confidence in the Africa Resource Centre, their development partner, to facilitate the program and guide them through legislative intricacies. He also highlighted the retreat’s significance in preparing members for their constitutional duties, including the scrutiny and approval of the Delta State Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) 2024-2026, which will enable the State Governor to present the 2024 budget to the House.
During the retreat, a renowned budget expert will guide the members through the details of the Fiscal Strategy Paper/Medium Term Expenditure Framework (FSP/MTEF).
The Speaker used the opportunity to congratulate Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on his recent victory at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. He urged all Deltans, regardless of political affiliations, to unite and support the Governor’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.
Acting Clerk of the House, Oto Aghoghopia, welcomed the Speaker and Assembly members to the program. He explained that the retreat builds on the pre-inauguration induction program organized for the 8th Assembly members after the general elections.
Aghoghopia highlighted the significance of the earlier training and the valuable observations and recommendations made during those sessions. He expressed hope that the ongoing retreat would address key areas of legislative practice and procedures.
John Mutu, the lead consultant and facilitator, praised the Delta State Assembly’s partnership with the African Parliamentary Resource Center. He emphasized their shared vision for innovative, responsive, accountable, and effective leadership for good governance.
The retreat’s agenda includes three main topics: “Leadership Tips, Budget Presentation and Appropriation Process,”
“Fundamentals of Legislative Oversight and Mental Health,” and “Understanding the Standing Orders of the House.”
The program will also feature plenary discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and oversight mock sessions, concluding on Friday of this week.
