AT an extraordinary session of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, a forum that occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s democratic architecture in promoting cooperation among state legislatures and advancing good governance, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor was elected chairman of the body.
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly was elected unopposed during the February 10, 2026 session of the conference in Abuja. Coming at a time Nigeria is gearing up for a pivotal national elections in 2027, his emergence holds even greater significance. The coming election coincides with ongoing efforts to review the 1999 constitution in the search for a more perfect federation under which more powers are expected to be devolved to the states. The Electoral Act, the main instrument for the conduct of credible polls is also undergoing a comprehensive review.
Prior to his election as chairman, he was the Treasurer of the conference in 2023 where he distinguished him as a manager of resources. Indeed, Guwor’s election as chairman of the Conference is not only a personal achievement but also a recognition of the maturity, stability, and progressive outlook of the Delta State legislature.
The Conference will play a crucial role in the level of success of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution as the changes proposed by the National Assembly must be endorsed by at least two thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly. At a time Nigerians are yearning for the devolution of more powers to the states and the granting to states the constitutional right to establish their own Police, Guwor will need dexterity and wisdom to coax his colleagues to adopt state Police as an effective and permanent solution to the pervading insecurity in various parts of the country.
Given that the Conference of Speakers occupies a pivotal platform in Nigeria’s democratic framework, serving as a platform for collaboration among state legislatures, policy harmonisation, and the promotion of good governance at sub-national level, the Delta State Speaker must leverage on his new status to drive the amendments that will reduce the overbearing powers of the state and engender a healthy competitive relationship among states. As the constitution review might see the light of day. Rt. Hon. Guwor should leverage on his growing status to drive the adoption of measures that will benefit Delta and other states, especially an increase in the derivative threshold in revenue allocation.
In addition, Guwor’s emergence is a testament to Delta State’s rising profile in national legislative affairs and a clear indication of the state’s growing role in shaping democratic governance across the federation.
We are delighted by Rt. Hon. Guwor’s election and congratulate him. It as a collective honour for Delta State and a strong endorsement of the maturity, stability and progressive orientation of the Delta State House of Assembly.
We are confident that he will bring wisdom, inclusiveness, and a reform-focused vision to the leadership of the Conference, while strengthening synergy among state legislatures and fostering constructive engagement with other arms of government in the national interest.
In his message congratulating the Speaker on his emergence, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, himself a former Treasurer and Deputy Chairman of the forum, described Guwor’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that it reflects his legislative experience, leadership qualities, and commitment to democratic governance.
We agree. We wish him a successful tenure marked by impactful leadership, institutional strengthening, and lasting contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.
