ASABA/Nigeria: Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has called on legislative aides of state lawmakers to provide optimal support services to their principals to enhance legislative productivity.
Guwor made the call on Thursday while declaring open a three-day workshop for the political aides of the 29 members of the Delta State House of Assembly in Asaba.
He urged the aides to take full advantage of the workshop, themed “The Role of Legislative Aides in Enhancing Members’ Productivity in State Legislature,” to strengthen their legislative functions and priorities.
The Speaker outlined key responsibilities of legislative aides, including legislative and legal research, drafting of bills and motions, speechwriting, constituency engagement, preparing debates, and coordinating members’ programs.
Accompanied by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi, Deputy Majority Whip Emeka Osamuta, and Chairman of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Mr. Sunday Ebireri, Guwor urged the participants to approach the training with dedication.
“This workshop is dear to my heart because it is the first time legislative aides to Honourable Members are formally coming together for structured training in legislative practice and procedures,” Guwor stated.
“Some of you may have prior experience in legislative processes, but society is dynamic, and knowledge is constantly evolving. Legislative aides are the cornerstones of effective representation and are meant to provide robust support services to members,” he added.
Earlier, Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Otto Aghoghophia, commended the leadership of the Assembly for initiating the workshop, expressing confidence that it would enhance the efficiency of political aides.
Lead facilitator and Executive Director of the African Parliamentary Resource Center, Dr. John Mutu, also expressed optimism that the training would provide participants with valuable insights to improve their roles in supporting lawmakers.
Some attendees, including the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Mr. ThankGod Seibe, Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Rex Okiemute, Miss Anna Chinyere, and Kingsley Okiroro, lauded the initiative, stating that the workshop would further motivate them in their duties.
The event concluded with a resounding vote of confidence passed on the Speaker and his leadership by the participants.
The workshop, which will run until Saturday, will feature lectures on the role of legislative aides in implementing the state government’s MORE agenda, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s developmental priorities, and the strategic focus of the 8th Assembly.
