BY ANDREW IKEHI
The Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) yesterday, gave its consent to the State Government’s request for the proposed transfer of the General Hospital, Otor-Udu to the Federal Ministry of Health.
The approval which was given at its plenary yesterday, was expected to strengthen the State Government’s collaboration with the Federal Government in the proposed establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian in Udu local government area of the State
The approval, The Pointer reports, was sequel to a letter by the State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori addressed to the lawmakers requesting their approval in the proposed collaboration
Governor Oborevwori in the letter which was read during plenary by the Speaker, Rt Hon EmomotimiGuwor, said that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of health offered to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area using the existing General Hospital, Otor-Udu, adding that the initiative would enhance access to quality healthcare services in the state.
Highlighting the role of the Delta State government and that of the Federal Ministry of health as contained in the draft Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU), the Governor said all existing buildings, structures, staff and other assets will be handed over to the Federal Ministry of Health for onward takeover by the Federal Government.
Motion for the approval of the request was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. EmekaNwaobi and supported by the member representing Bomadi Constituency, Hon. OboroPreyor, just as it was unanimously adopted by the House following a voice vote called by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. EmomotimiGuwor
Also at plenary, the Delta State Anti -Terrorism and Anti-Cultism Amendment bill, 2025 scaled through second reading on the floor of the House.
Leading the debate on the merits of the proposed amendment, Majority Leader, Hon. EmekaNwaobi cited the deficiency in the principal law, which failed to give a clear definition of “cultist” and “cultism” making it difficult for the Judiciary to give a proper interpretation of the law.
Others who spoke in favour of the amendment bill included the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowovwo, Perkins Umukoro, Matthew Omonade, Austine Uroye and Frank Esenwa; with the need stressed on giving it a speedy passage. Meanwhile, Chairman of the joint committee, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi presented a report on the Delta State Hospital Management Board amendment bill, 2024.
