The new Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, says the 8th Assembly under his watch will continue to remain independent while working cordially with the executive to move the state forward.
Guwor, who was elected Speaker during the inauguration of the 8th Delta Assembly, said the Assembly will act with dignity, honour and purpose for the benefit of all Deltans.
He said he would not betray the trust of his colleagues and that of Deltans who have given him the opportunity to serve as the Speaker of the 8th Assembly.
Guwor, who was elected alongside the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, gave the remark in his acceptance speech at the commencement of the 8th Assembly on Tuesday.
He stated that while the House under his leadership, would work closely with the executive arm, the relationship should not be mistaken as working for the executive.
The new speaker represents the Warri South West constituency while his deputy, Akpowowo, a first time lawmaker, represents Ethiope East constituency. They are both elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Guwor succeeds the immediate past Speaker and now governor of Delta, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborewvori.
He said the legislature remained the “repository of democratic hope and aspirations of our people. Without the legislature, there is no democracy. Therefore, the 8th Assembly will act with dignity, honour and a sense of purpose.
“The House under my leadership will work for the people of Delta State that gave us their mandate to represent them in this hallowed Chamber.
“We will cooperate and work harmoniously with the executive arm of government to deliver good governance in the State and democratic dividends for our constituents.
“Working with the executive should not be mistaken as WORKING FOR THE EXECUTIVE. The 8th Assembly shall continue to uphold the independence and autonomy of the legislature.
“The House under my leadership will anchor the wellbeing of our people by strategically keeping faith with our duties of law making, representation and oversight of the executive arm of government.
“To achieve the goals of the 8th Assembly with efficiency, we shall draw up a legislative agenda that will outline our action plans and legislative programmes and activities.
“The legislative agenda of the 8th Assembly will complement the M.O.R.E agenda of the state government. It is axiomatic that good governance can only be effected when all arms of government are working in harmony for the common good of the people.
“The House under my watch will be open to constructive criticism by the public and robust debates among members.”
The Speaker thanked the governor, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, ex-governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and his deputy, Otuaro, for nurturing him in politics.
