When, barely two months ago, precisely May 5, this year, all 22 former members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) dumped their former party for the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) making all 29 members of the State House of Assembly a One-party legislature and, particularly, haven joined force with the Executive where the State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori alongside other critical stakeholders earlier defected to the APC, it was evident that the political rhythm of the State has changed.
At the centre where the APC holds sway as the ruling political party, the political slogan is “Renewed Hope”. That, of course was the captivating mantra that saw the current administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu into power.
The APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a key initiative launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is aimed at driving reforms, economic growth, and social development in Nigeria.
As it is at the Federal, so it is at the various State levels. In Delta State for instance, the Rt, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori administration had earlier, launched its administration’s roadmap; the MORE Agenda. The MORE Agenda according to the State government, aims at accelerating the state’s socio-economic transformation. MORE, for the record, stands for:
M: Meaningful Development: Focuses on creating a ripple effect of benefits that extend beyond infrastructure projects, prioritizing projects that drive economic growth and social development.
O: Opportunities for All: Emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens have access to opportunities, with a particular focus on youth empowerment and engagement.
R: Realistic Reforms: Aims to implement practical and achievable reforms that address the state’s challenges, including governance and institutional reforms.
E: Enhanced Peace and Security: Prioritizes maintaining peace and security across the state, creating a stable environment for development and growth.
With the recent political realignment where-in the State is now currently an APC State, the State government has since adopted the Renewed Hope initiative of the Federal Government but, without undermining its MORE agenda. The current slogan in the State is Renewed Hope For MORE Agenda. Period.
By extension therefore, one would be curious to ask; what does that mean for the State legislature? To the over Five million residents of the Oil-rich State whose Interest are being represented by the lawmakers, expectations are indeed high, particularly now that the Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor led Eight Assembly has pulled behind it two years of its four year tenure.
Hmmmm, how time flies; two years in PDP and, perhaps, remaining two years in the APC.
While Deltans are watching with keen interest the possible legislative outcome in the second half of the Eight Assembly, the lawmakers, no doubt, apparently mindful of the huge expectations of their respective constituents, have since rolled up their sleeves for enhanced legislative results.
This, of course is evident as the Speaker, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor, at the resumed plenary for the second half of the Eight Assembly, precisely, Tuesday, June 24, this year, enjoined the lawmakers to continue to uphold the spirit of unity and oneness in the discharge of their legislative assignments.
The Speaker who said this in his address of welcome at the resumed plenary, pledged the Eight Assembly’s commitment towards sustained collaboration with the other arms of government as well as critical stakeholders towards driving the needed dividends of democracy.
Commending the Lawmakers for their legislative achievements during the past two legislative years, the Speaker urged them to brace up for increased legislative proceedings in the third session and beyond in the interest of Deltans
Addressing the lawmakers, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor stressed the need for renewed vigour by the legislators in pursuit of their collective legislative assignment.
He said, “Distinguished colleagues, we could not have achieved much if not for your uncommon team spirit. Your support to the leadership of the House is immeasurable. Thank you and God bless you.
“As we commence this Third Session, I urge us all to renew our commitment to our constitutional duties of law-making, representation and oversight that we have been entrusted with. “We must continue to place the interest of our constituents ahead of all prejudices.
“Let us remain united, focused, and deliberate in our actions, as we partner with the Executive and other stakeholders to deliver democratic dividends to our people. The expectations of our constituents remain high, and we must not fail them.
“May God continue to guide our deliberations and bless Delta State House of Assembly” Guwor said and prayed.
With the plea and urge for renewed commitment to their constitutional duties of lawmaking, constituency representation and oversight function as contained in the Speaker’s charge to the lawmakers as they commenced the second half of the four-year tenure of the Eight Assembly, it is hoped that Deltans should, indeed, expect MORE in the current “Renewed Hope For MORE.
For instance, in law-making which is the primary responsibility of the lawmakers, the State legislators, within the first half of the legislative journey in the Eight Assembly, received a total of 34 bills. While 18 (Eighteen) of the bills were received in the first year of the Eight Assembly, 16 were received in the second session of the Eight Assembly. In the first year, 15 out of the 18 bills, according to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor, were Executive bills while the remaining three were Private Member’s bills.
In the second session which ended recently, the House in the words of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, received a total of sixteen Bills, eight Executive Bills and eight Private Member’s bills. Out of the sixteen Bills, according to him, seven were passed by the House and six of them were assented to by the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori while one is being prepared for the assent of the Governor.
In the area of Constituency representation, Rt. Hon. Guwor in his address at a press briefing to mark the second anniversary of the Eight Assembly, said that the House under his watch has made this a top priority. While this may be unarguably correct, it is hoped that various constituencies would see more of this in the second half of the legislative journey.
Oversight Functions; While the Eight Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor may have, understandably, won the hearts of Deltans in the areas of lawmaking and Constituency representation, Assembly watchers may be asking for More in the area of their oversight Functions.
For the records, oversight is also one of the constitutional responsibilities of lawmakers. It involves monitoring the executive branch and government agencies to ensure they’re operating efficiently, effectively, and within their authority. This includes: Conducting hearings and investigations, reviewing government reports and policies, Identifying areas for improvement and recommending changes as well as holding government officials accountable for their actions
By performing these functions, lawmakers help ensure that the government serves the people and operate in a fair and transparent manner.
This, no doubts, the Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor led Eight Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly has upheld within the past two legislative years as most of the House Committees, at regular intervals embark on routine legislative oversight. This cuts across the various sectors of the State economy. However, the people (Deltans) may be asking for more, going forward.
