For ardent followers of legislative activities at the Delta State House of Assembly, the last time they heard the sounds of the gavel echoing through the hallowed chamber of the State legislature was barely seven weeks ago. That was, precisely Tuesday July 22 this year when the State lawmakers, rising from their Tuesday sitting, adjourned plenary by six weeks. The long adjournment, literally announced the statutory annual recess for the state legislators.
In the words of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor who, during the plenary had earlier called for a voice vote in support of a motion for the long adjournment affirmed that the annual recess was primarily aimed at affording the lawmakers the opportunity to fraternize with their various constituents.
Although the six weeks break was expected to elapse on the eve of Tuesday September 2, this year as lawmakers were expected to reconvene same day, Tuesday September 2, that, however, was not so as the break was elongated by additional one week as the legislators further adjourned plenary by one week.
Expectedly, however, the lawmakers on Tuesday, September 9 this year, resumed plenary.
With the resumption of plenary, the State Assembly, no doubting the fact, roared back to life, with members refreshed, revitalized, and ready to tackle the pressing issues that have been simmering during the recess.
The hallowed chamber, to say the obvious, was abuzz with activity, as lawmakers huddle in caucuses, negotiating with colleagues as well as strategize with their various committees. The air is electric with anticipation, as the fate of key legislation hangs in the balance.
As the Rt. (Hon.) Emomotimi Guwor led Eight Assembly gets down to business, the sound of gavels banging, papers shuffling, and passionate debates filled the air.
As the state legislators navigate the complex web of policy, politics, and procedure, one thing is clear: a new chapter in the State legislative journey is about to be written. This is evident as the lawmakers, during Wednesday plenary; two days after resumption from the six week annual recess, were reminded of the need to roll up their sleeves and settle down for enhanced legislative results.
In what looks like the needed legislative tonic, at its plenary, Wednesday, September 10, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Emomotimi Guwor challenged the State lawmakers to roll up their sleeves and settle down for enhanced legislation
The Speaker who gave the charge prior to the adjournment of legislative proceedings for Tuesday next week, noted that the charge had become necessary as it is incumbent on them to justify their pay as lawmakers.
He, therefore instructed all committees with outstanding bills and members whose bills have been scheduled for second reading next week to ensure that they tidy up their work for delivery next week without fail adding that the Eight Assembly under his watch cannot afford to live below expectation as one of the most vibrant Houses of Assembly in the country.
In his words, the Speaker said; “Dear colleagues, before I put up the question for adjournment, let me say that as we have resumed plenary after our annual recess, we must settle down for work.
“We were all elected by our people to represent them. So, we must as a matter of obligation, justify our pay by Deltans.
“From next week, all committees with outstanding bills should be ready to turn in their report.
“Similarly, every member whose bill(s) has (have) been scheduled for second reading next week, should be ready to present such bill(s). Work has resumed and we must take it seriously” Rt Hon Guwor said.
The Speakers position, no doubting the facts, could be linked to the underlining outcome or net effects of the six weeks break which, behind the scene, also, afforded the lawmakers the opportunity to participate in Leadership Development Training, far away Manchester, the United Kingdom (U.K)
The training which was held at the Centre for Enterprise, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, was on “Strategies for Inclusive Economic Growth”
Unfolding the development in his address of welcome at the resumed plenary, Tuesday, the Speaker noted that the programme afforded them not only the opportunity to broaden their legislative knowledge, but also, helped to deepen their understanding of global best practices in governance, adding that through the training, they explored practical approaches to policy formulation, inclusive economic planning, effective oversight, and strategic stakeholder engagement.
In the address, the speaker read inter alia; “While the recess meant a break from formal plenary, it was far from a break from service or learning. One of the most significant highlights of this period was our participation in the Leadership Development Training on “Strategies for Inclusive Economic Growth” at the Centre for Enterprise, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.
‘This programme afforded us not only the opportunity to broaden our legislative knowledge, but also to deepen our understanding of global best practices in governance. We explored practical approaches to policy formulation, inclusive economic planning, effective oversight, and strategic stakeholder engagement.
‘From the training, we learnt valuable lessons:
- That inclusive governance is the surest path to sustainable development.
- That policy decisions must be guided by evidence, data, and the lived realities of our constituents.
- That legislative leadership requires both vision and the ability to build consensus across political divides.
- And that innovation, accountability, and transparency are not optional, but essential, in delivering good governance.
‘I recalled in one of the sessions, the role played by universities and other tertiary institutions in society development, how government harness research resources in driving sustainable development by collaborating with these tertiary institutions.
“Fortunately, Delta State Government has four universities amidst other Federal and Private universities. We will encourage the State Government policy towards exploring the research resources of these universities in the sustainable development of the State.
“These insights will not remain in theory. They will be translated into action through our legislative agenda, committee work, and oversight responsibilities in this session” Guwor said
Speaking further, the Speaker said, “As we reconvene, our commitment remains clear:
- To enact laws that foster economic growth, social justice, and sustainable development.
- To strengthen oversight to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for public resources.
- To work collaboratively with the Executive and other stakeholders while safeguarding the independence of the House.
‘We must also respond decisively to the pressing needs of our people, that is, infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and security.
“The lessons from Manchester have reinforced that meaningful change begins with focused planning, inclusive consultation, and timely execution”.
