As the sun rises from the East, casting its beautiful rays across the Atlantic, Friday June 13, this year, the Eight Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) would have completed a twenty-four month circle of its existence post inauguration as State Legislators
On that date, the Rt. Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor led administration in the Delta State House of Assembly would be rolling out drums to celebrate its second anniversary as lawmakers in the Eight Assembly. How time flies!
The event, no doubting the facts, is significant as it marks the midterm report of the all 29 lawmakers in the State House of Assembly. By this, the all 29 lawmakers in the State Assembly would be half-way in and, halfway out as legislators in the Eight Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly.
Given the development, the question that is readily on the lips of curious Assembly watchers in the State and beyond is; How Far, This Far?
While this is necessary as it is institutionally required and biblically justified that a steward must give account of his or her stewardship, it is also fair to state that in order to have a fair, balanced and justified assessment of the lawmakers within the period under review, this particular discourse craves to judge them based on the three core responsibilities of legislators which includes, law-making, constituency representation and oversight functions. The question therefore, is how far has the Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor led administration fared in this direction?
In the business of law-making which of course is the primary reason for their elections, the Delta Eight Assembly under the watch of Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor has recorded significant progress within the past two years. For instance, in its first year on the saddle, the lawmakers at their maiden anniversary said the House received a total of eighteen Bills; Fifteen out of the number were Executive Bills while three were Private Members Bills. Out of the eighteen Bills, Nine Bills were then passed and three assented to:
The bills according to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor include;
- Supplementary Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 – passed and assented to.
- Additional Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2022 – passed and assented to.
- Appropriation Bill, 2024 – passed and assented to.
- Delta State Merit Award Bill, 2023 – passed and awaiting assent.
- Delta State Social Investment Programme Bill, 2023 – passed and awaiting assent.
- Delta State Persons with Disability Bill, 2023 – passed and awaiting assent.
- Delta State Polytechnic Burutu (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – passed and awaiting assent.
- Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – passed and awaiting assent.
- Delta State Administration of Civil Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – passed and awaiting assent.
Eight of the remaining Bills then, were undergoing consideration before the House, while the last one was withdrawn by the sponsors.
While their legislative achievement at the maiden anniversary of the House received wide commendation from stakeholders, the second session of the eight Assembly, no doubt, may have, indisputably doubled the feat. For instance, recently, precisely April 10, this year, the leadership of the State House of Assembly presented seven bills to the State Governor, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori for assents.
The development, in the words of Assembly watchers, marked another significant milestone in the symbiotic relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arms of government in promoting good governance in the State.
Presenting the bills before the State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for assent, Rt. Hon Guwor said the bills had gone through several stages of legislative fireworks and approvals before their presentation for assents in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered).
For the record, the bill include; Delta State Physical Planning and Urban Renewal Bill; Delta State Film and Video Censor’s Board Bill; Delta State Electricity Power Sector Bill; Registration and Regulation of Private Veterinary Clinics (Amendment) Bill; Child Rights (Amendment) Bill; Delta State Pets Control and Responsible Ownership Bill, and the Delta State College of Health Technology, Ovrode Bill.
The signing of these bills into law, no doubt, is expected to address various aspects of governance, including Infrastructure Development, Economic Growth and Social Services.
This, without resort to hyperbole, further demonstrates the increasing commitment of the Guwor’s led 8th Delta State Assembly to supporting potential investments in road constructions, power generation, and other critical infrastructure to enhance the state’s development.
Constituency Representation:
This is yet another area where the State lawmakers, within the past two years have git some thumbs up. Constituency representation involves lawmakers acting on behalf of their constituents, listening to their concerns, and advocating for their interests.
This includes:- Responding to constituents’ inquiries and concerns, addressing local issues and problems, advocating for policies and laws that benefit constituents as well as providing assistance with government services and programs.
To say that members of the Delta State House of Assembly have lived up to this requirements within the past two legislative years is indeed, stating the obvious.
Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor had ensured that this aspect of lawmakers’ responsibility is upheld by members of the State House of Assembly. At every given vacation or long adjournment, he has always ensured that members retreat to their various Constituencies and thus; fraternize with their constituents. This, to a great extent has kept the various Constituencies abreast with the workings of the House.
Oversight Functions;
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 to ensure that the government serves the people and operates in a fair and transparent manner.
This, no doubts, the Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor led Eight 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.
