ASABA/Nigeria: The 8th Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly was officially inaugurated on June 13, 2023, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, a two-term member of the House representing Warri South West Constituency, emerging as the Speaker of the House, while Arthur Akpowhowho was elected as the Deputy Speaker.
the inauguration followed the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, proclaiming the inauguration, through a letter that was read by the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr Otos Aghoghopia, at the Hallowed Chamber of the State Assembly at 10:10 am. This was followed by a roll call of the elected members from the 29 state constituencies, as provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The names were read out in alphabetical order, starting with the member-elect for Aniocha North, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, and concluding with Emomotimi Guwor, the member-elect for Warri South West.
Afterward, the Acting Clerk presided over the elections and swearing-in of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly. Emomotimi Guwor was unanimously elected as the Speaker, supported by the nomination of Ferguson Onwo, representing Isoko South Two, and seconded by Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, representing Ika North East.
for the Deputy Speaker, Arthur Akpowhowho, a first-time member representing Ethiope East Constituency, was nominated by Festus Okoh, representing Ika South, and seconded by Perkins Umukoro, representing Sapele Constituency.
The Acting Clerk administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker, in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. First, the Deputy Speaker, Arthur Akpowhowho, took the oath, followed by the Speaker, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
In his acceptance speech, Speaker Guwor acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead and promised to lead the House responsibly, emphasizing the need for support from members and relevant stakeholders. He assured that the state’s interest would be the top priority and that the House would diligently carry out its constitutional duties, aligned with the Delta State administration’s vision.
Following the Speaker’s address, other elected members of the House were sworn in by the Acting Clerk, adhering to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the State Assembly’s rules. The oath of office was taken by various representatives, including Emeka Nwaobi (Aniocha North), Isaac Anwuzia (Aniocha South), Oboro Preyor (Bomadi), Anthony Alapala (Burutu One), Pereotu Oloye (Burutu Two), Blessing Achoja (Ethiope West), Marilyn Okowa-Daramola (Ika North East), Festus Okoh (Ika South), Bernard Odior (Isoko North), Bino Obowomano (Isoko South One), Ferguson Onwo (Isoko South Two), Prince Emeka Samuta (Ndokwa East), and Charles Emetulu (Ndokwa West).
Others who took the oath of office were James Augoye (Okpe), Frank Esenwah (Oshimili North), Bridget Anyafulu (Oshimili South), Emmanuel Sinebe (Patani), Collins Egbetamah (Udu), Mathew Omonade (Ughelli North One), Spencer Ohwofa (Ughelli North Two), Festus Utuama (Ughelli South), Perkins Umukoro (Sapele), Chukwudi Dafe (Ukwuani), Edafe Emakpor (Uvwie), Fred Martins (Warri North), Austin Uroye (Warri South One), and Benson Obire (Warri South Two).
after the swearing of other members, the Member representing Ndokwa West Constituency moved a motion for the Clerk to inform the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, that the 8th Assembly had been fully constituted and had elected Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor as Speaker and Arthur Akpowhowho as Deputy Speaker. The motion was unanimously adopted, and the House adjourned to June 27, 2023, following a motion by Oboro Preyor, the Member representing Bomadi Constituency, and seconded by Hon Emeka Samuta, the Member representing Ndokwa East.
The Speaker, accompanied by the members, later led a brief thanksgiving service at the chapel of the State Assembly.
