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Tag: Delta Assembly

  • Delta Govt makes fresh moves to curb cultism

    Delta Govt makes fresh moves to curb cultism

    The Delta State Anti-terrorism and Anti-cultism Amendment Bill scaled first reading on the floor of the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the amendment bill follows a judgment of the Delta State High Court delivered by Justice Marshall Umukoro on November 7 2022.

    In a letter addressed to the State House of Assembly for amendment of the bill, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori noted that the interpretative section of the law did not define what cultism means, hence the need for such amendments.

    Governor Oborevwori stressed that the law will prohibit terrorism, cultism and the use of bombs, stating that the essence of the proposed amendment bill aims at providing a clearer understanding of the offence of cultism as envisaged by the existing law and for the ease of prosecuting offences in court.

    Similarly, a bill for a law to repeal the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law of 1977 and establish the Delta State Landlord and Tenant Law, 2025 passed first reading.

    Lead Sponsor of the bill and Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, in a motion, earlier sought the leave of the House to bring in the bill, which seeks to address the long-awaited issue of rentage in Delta State.

    Also, the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill for a law to amend the 2024 appropriation law of the State.

    The amendment bill was sequel to a letter by the Governor Oborevwori, which was read during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor.

    The Governor, in his letter, said the amendment to the 2024 appropriation law became necessary in order to address critical areas of need in the budget.

    He stated that the recurrent expenditure would be N379,375,354,596.00, and the amended capital expenditure would be N345,603,959,271.00, while the total budget size of N724,979,313,867.00 for the services of the year ending 31 December 2024.

    The bill scaled first, second and third reading and passed by the House as the lawmakers including the Leader of the house, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi and the member representing Ndokwa west constituency, Hon Charles Emetulu spoke in favour of the amendment sought, saying it was a realignment of the appropriation law to reflect an increase in the recurrent expenditure and a reduction in the capital expenditure.

    They commended Governor Oborevwori for upholding the constitution by seeking to amend the 2024 appropriation Law.

    The Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, commended the lawmakers for their due diligence in granting a speedy passage to the amendment of the 2024 appropriation Law.

    Still at plenary, the House considered and adopted the recommendations by the committee on Public Accounts on the reports of the Auditor General (State) on the accounts of the Delta State Government for the year ended, December 31 2024 as well as the report of the Auditor-General (State) on the account of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC for the year ended December 31 2024 following a report by the Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. James Augoye.

  • Delta Assembly passes law to set up State’s security outfit

    Delta Assembly passes law to set up State’s security outfit

    The Delta State House of Assembly has passed the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency bill into law.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the new law now awaits assent by the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

    The bill, sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Peace and Security and Member Representing Aniocha South, Hon (Dr) Isaac Anwuzia, is aimed at strengthening government’s capacity in addressing challenges of insecurity and other related issues in the State.

    The Delta State Community Security Corps Agency bill was read the third time and passed into law on the floor of the House during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor on Tuesday.

    The Leader of the House, Hon (Dr) Emeka Nwaobi (Aniocha North), had in two separate motions moved for suspension of House rule 12, orders 80, 82 and 83, to enable the House to take the third reading of the bill and passed, thereby concluding the processing of the proposed legal document.

    The motions, seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo (Ethiope East) and Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon Charles Emetulu (Ndokwa West), respectively, were unanimously adopted.

    Speaking on the development, the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, while referencing Section 14, sub-section 2b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), said “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.

    Guwor noted that with the successful passage of the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency Bill, the State Legislature has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the people.

    Maintaining that there cannot be any meaningful development in the state without a secure and safe environment, the Speaker said, “this Bill that has been sufficiently debated and passed, is a critical step towards strengthening our community security architecture.

    “It reflects our collective understanding of the evolving security challenges and our proactive response to ensure that every Deltan can live and work in peace”.

    The Speaker expressed profound gratitude to the lawmakers for their diligence, incisive contributions and dedication during the debates  and consideration of the Bill, saying “your efforts are truly commendable”.

    Guwor said he is optimistic that the Bill, once signed into law, will significantly enhance peace, order and security across all nooks and crannies of the State.

    In his reaction, the lead sponsor, Hon Isaac Anwuzia, said the passed bill is all about community policing, and expressed the hope that implementation of the proposed new law, which now awaits the Governor’s assent, will address all related insecurity challenges bedevilling the State and parts of the country.

    Anwuzia explained that the law went through rigorous legislative fireworks to provide a comprehensive framework that would strengthen the localised security architecture as well as provide and protect other critical concerns, including funding, recruitment, and the role of critical stakeholders.

    He thanked the Speaker and colleagues for all the support in the processing of the bill.

  • Delta Assembly passes bill for college of health technology, Ovrode

    Delta Assembly passes bill for college of health technology, Ovrode

    Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the bill for the establishment of the college of health technology, Ovrode, 2024 for assent.

    NAN reports that the proposed college of technology is to be located in Ovrode in Isoko Local Government of the state.

    The Executive bill  was passed after its third reading at the plenary in Asaba presided over by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.

    The Majority Leader of the assembly, Mr Emeka Nwaobi moved a motion to enable the Assembly take the third reading and passage of the bill.

    The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the assembly, when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, was seconded by Mr Ferguson Onwo (PDP-Isoko II).

    Guwor said that the bill, when signed into law, would help to give legal framework for the establishment of another college of health technology in the state.

    ‘Dear colleagues, by the passage of this bill, you have given a legal framework to the establishment of another school of health technology in the state.

    ”The bill, when signed into law, would help to improve the healthcare, economy, education and the overall well-being of the people of Delta.

    ”It will also help to address issues of mortality rate, among others, in the state,” he said.

  • Delta Assembly recalls 2 suspended members

    Delta Assembly recalls 2 suspended members

    The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct. The recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.

    The Assembly had on Nov. 6, suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days, alleging misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi), was also suspended for 14 legislative days on the same grounds on Nov. 12.

    ”Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members, subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up to investigate the gross misconduct.

    ”The committee has commenced investigation; however, the 14 days suspension notice has elapsed.

    “By the confidence you all reposed on me as speaker of the State House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.

    ”The suspended members are hereby recalled pending the outcome of their investigative committee,” Guwor said.

    Meanwhile, the deputy speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers.

    ”I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.

    ”The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness.

    ”For me, this is a party gift, even though I’m not affected,” he said.

  • Real reason Assembly increased Delta 2025 budget by N43bn

    Real reason Assembly increased Delta 2025 budget by N43bn

    The real reasons have began to emerge on why the Delta State House of Assembly increased the 2025 budget of Delta State by N43 billion.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon (Mrs) Marilyn Okowa-Daramola Esq gave the hint.

    Okowa-Daramola said the unquenching appetite for more infrastructural development led to the increase of the 2025 budget of Delta from N936.1 billion to N979.2 billion by the House.

    Speaking following the passage of the Appropriation Bill, Okowa-Daramola said the 2025 budget is that of ‘Hope’ as she said Deltans will witness more physical infrastructural growth across the State.

    The Lawmaker who represents Ika North East Constituency, explained that the House saw the need to give more attention to capital expenditure which she said is a priority focus for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, hence the increase to N630.461 billion from N587.361 billion.

    She said the N43.1 billion increase is 7.34% over the original proposed capital expenditure budget estimate forwarded to the House by Governor Oborevwori.

    Disclosing that the recurrent expenditure was amended by N50 million, from N348.717 billion to N348.767 billion, which is 0.014% over the proposed recurrent expenditure, Okowa-Daramola said the increment in capital expenditure is aimed at improving infrastructural development in the three senatorial districts of the State.

    According to the Lawmaker, Governor Oborevwori is committed to massive development of infrastructure in the State, adding that the State Assembly also saw the need to give him support to succeed.

    She pointed out that the amendment was majorly in the Economic Sector which caters for rural, riverine and urban roads, adding that good road infrastructure would always boost productivity and socio-economic growth in the state.

    “We have an increase of N43.1 billion for capital expenditure and N50 million recurrent expenditure. As we all know, one of the priority focuses of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is infrastructural development and we as a house also saw the need to expend more for capital expenditure across the three senatorial districts.

    “This amendment was mostly done in the economic sector where you have both ministries of rural and urban roads to cater for, and you know the importance of more roads in the state. It boosts economic development.

    “We also had an amendment in riverine infrastructure because we saw the need for more connectivity for those in the riverine areas of the State”, Okowa-Daramola stated.

    The Lawmaker expressed optimism that the State government with the passed 2025 Appropriation bill, will perform more than it did in the outgoing year, 2024 saying that Deltans should hope for the best in the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    She said “For us, the budget is a Budget of Hope, we are very optimistic that the State government will outperform what they have done in 2024.

    “We hope for the best and we know that His Excellency is very dedicated to the welfare of Deltans. So I believe that there is MORE for the people of Ika North East and more for Deltans”, she added.

  • Delta Assembly passes N979.2bn budget 2025 Appropriation Bill

    Delta Assembly passes N979.2bn budget 2025 Appropriation Bill

    Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the State Appropriation Bill, tagged Delta State Budget, for the services of the state for 2025 financial year.

    The passed budget christened “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation”, saw an increase of the total amount from 936.1billion naira presented to House last week for legislative actions by the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to 979.2 billion naira.

    The breakdown of the amount showed the recurrent expenditure estimate amended from 348.717 billion naira to 348.767 billion naira, while capital expenditure was moved to 630.461 billion naira from 587.361 billion naira.

    The amendment, according to the Chairman, Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, represents an increase of 50 million naira which is 0.014% over the proposed recurrent expenditure and an increase of 43.1 billion naira which is 7.34% over the original proposed capital expenditure budget estimate sent to the House by Governor Oborevwori.

    Hon Okowa-Daramola’s presentation of her committee’s report led the lawmakers dissolving into committee of supply, chaired by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, to consider proposed amendments in the various sections and clauses of the bill.

    She announced the total amended budget size as Nine hundred and seventy nine billion, two hundred and twenty eight million, eight hundred and eighteen thousand, seven hundred and nineteen naira.

    Mr. Speaker, after a critical examination of all the recommendations received from sub-committees, the Finance and Appropriations Committee recommends that the House consider and pass the sum of three hundred and forty eight billion, seven hundred and sixty seven million, seven hundred and fifty eight thousand, six hundred and thirty five naira as approved appropriation in recurrent expenditure.

    “And the sum of six hundred and thirty billion, four hundred and sixty one million, sixty thousand and eighty four naira only as approved appropriation in capital expenditure”, Okowa-Daramola stated.

    The lawmaker who represents Ika North East Constituency in the House, also recommended that the year 2025 approved budget be monitored for effective implementation.

    The lawmaker who represents Ika North East Constituency in the House, also recommended that the year 2025 approved budget be monitored for effective implementation.

    Okowa-Daramola stressed that the 2025 budget clearly captures the policy direction of the state government, noting that the budgetary estimates reflect the goals of the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    After careful scrutiny of amendments sought by the Finance and Appropriation Committee at the Committee of Supply, the bill was read the third time and passed in unanimous voice votes.

    The Speaker, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the passage of the 2025 appropriation bill is a significant milestone to drive development across Delta state.

    The Speaker also noted that the legislative accomplishment was a testament to the collective responsibility of the State Legislature to the welfare and prosperity of the state.

    Guwor, while commending the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation as well as sub committees for their relentless effort in scrutinizing the financial document for 2025 fiscal year, also commended the lawmakers for a job well done.

    He added that the house will continue to live up to its responsibility and would continue to synergise with the executive in ensuring the dividends of good governance gets to Deltans.

    The Tuesday’s plenary session was observed by Leaders of the 25 local government Councils’ Legislative Arms in Delta State.

  • Oborevwori presents N936bn 2025 budget to Delta Assembly(Photos)

    Oborevwori presents N936bn 2025 budget to Delta Assembly(Photos)

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, presented a N936,078,818,719 billion Appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.

    Governor Oborevwori said the budget christened, ‘Budget of Fiscal Consolidation,’ was made up of recurrent expenditure of N348,717,758,635 billion representing 37.25 per cent and capital expenditure of N587,361,060,084 representing 62.75 per cent of the total budget.

    Oborevwori presents N936bn 2025 budget to Delta Assembly

    He said the 2025 budget is N211bn more than the 2024 approved sum of N725bn, indicating an increase of 29%.

    The Governor attributed the increase to the realignment of the exchange rate which resulted in higher FAAC allocations and associated revenues. He said: “This is in addition to a corresponding improvement in our Internally Generated Revenues in the year.

    “The 2025 budget contains several initiatives planned to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on our people and all the attendant economic challenges it has brought upon us.

    Oborevwori presents N936bn 2025 budget to Delta Assembly

    “These include deliberate provisions to strengthen our social protection interventions and safety nets, basic rural infrastructure, agriculture and food security, agro value chain, and MSMEs.

    “The 2025 Budget focuses on continued provision of physical infrastructure, human capital development, job creation, wealth creation, and poverty reduction in our dear state.

    “The state government intends to achieve these through prudent management of our resources and prioritizing expenditures on health, education, agriculture, water resources, environment, housing as well as women and youth empowerment programmes.

    Oborevwori presents N936bn 2025 budget to Delta Assembly

    “In 2025, we propose to spend N230 billion on Road Infrastructure; N67.42 billion on Education; Health will gulp N30.55 billion; Water Resources N11.03 billion and Agriculture, N7 billion.”

    Government Oborevwori appealed for the speedy passage of the appropriation bill by the lawmakers.

    In his remarks, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said the state had witnessed unprecedented development due to the Governor’s pragmatic style of governance and commended the Governor for continuing and completing inherited projects from previous administration.

    Oborevwori presents N936bn 2025 budget to Delta Assembly

    He lauded Governor Oborevwori for his fiscal discipline and ensuring value for money which he epitomised in returning over N500m to the state coffers while serving as Speaker and for saving over N14bn for Local Government Councils across the state.

    He called on the Governor to institutionalise pre-budget planning parley between the Executive and the Legislature to help balance priorities within available resources.

    The Speaker urged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to cooperate with the Committees of the House during the budget defence sessions to ensure seamless consideration and timely passage of the budget.

    Motion for adoption of the budget was moved by House Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi and seconded by Member Representing Ika North East Constituency, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola.

    The budget presentation was witnessed by the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme and members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere among others.

  • Delta Assembly suspends another lawmaker

    Delta Assembly suspends another lawmaker

    The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday suspended another lawmaker, Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi), for alleged misconduct.

    Preyor’s suspension came barely one week after Mr Chukudi Edafe, representing Ukwuani State Constituency, was suspended.

    The Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor, announced the suspension during the House plenary session in the assembly complex in Asaba.

    The suspension order followed  a motion moved under a matter of urgent public importance by the Majority Leader, Mr Emeka Nwaobi (PDP-Aniocha North).

    The motion, which was unanimously adopted in a voice vote, was seconded by Mr Matthew Omonade (APC-Ughelli North I).

    Following the adoption of the motion, Preyor, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Works and Special Projects, was suspended for 14 legislative days.

    Announcing the order, the speaker also said that a committee would be set up to investigate the misconduct.

    ”The House hereby suspends the member representing Bomadi constituency in the State House of Assembly over misconduct.

    ”In subsequent date, a committee will be set up to investigate the misconduct,” Guwor said.

    He also directed the Sargent-at-Arm to lead the suspended lawmaker out of the main chamber of the Assembly complex.

    The House also received a letter of notification by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill on Thursday.

    It also received a bill to amend the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, to reflect a change of name to Southern Delta University, Ozoro.

    The bill, which was conveyed in a letter by the governor, was read to the members by the speaker.

  • JUST IN: Delta Assembly suspends member over alleged misconduct

    JUST IN: Delta Assembly suspends member over alleged misconduct

    The Delta House of Assembly on Wednesday suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 days over alleged gross misconduct. The suspension order was pronounced by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba.

    The suspension order was sequel to a motion moved under matter of urgent public importance by the Majority Leader, Mr Emeka Nwaobi (PDP-Aniocha North).

    The motion which was unanimously adopted by the Assembly when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, was seconded by the Chief Whip of the House, Mr Perkins Umukoro, (PDP-Sapele).

    Following the adoption of the motion, Chukudi was suspended for a period of 14 legislative days. Announcing the decision of the House, the Speaker also said that a committee would be set up to investigate the matter.

    According to the speaker, the member representing Okwuani constituency, Edafe Chukudi is hereby suspended for 14 legislative days for gross misconduct

    ”A committee will be set up to investigate the matter,” he said.

    The Assembly also received an Executive Bill; titled a bill for a law to establish the College of Health Technology Ovrode, 2024 and for other related purposes.

    The bill was conveyed through a letter by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to the Assembly for scrutiny and read by the speaker.

    The Assembly also mourned the former Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Amos Utuama who recently passed.

    Mr Festus Utuama (PDP-Ughelli South) had announced the demise of the former deputy governor who is also  his uncle. A minute  silent was observed in honour of the deceased.

    Also at Wednesday’s plenary, the Assembly  condoled President Bola Tinubu on the demise of his Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

  • Delta Assembly directs LG chairmen to submit performance reports

    Delta Assembly directs LG chairmen to submit performance reports

    The Delta  House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has directed the nine council chairmen in Delta North Senatorial district, to submit their performance reports covering  first 100 days in office.

    The committee also requested for personnel strength of the various Councils, number of Political Aids currently engaged, Wage Bill, Jobs and Contracts executed or ongoing within their 100 days in office.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Chief Chukwudi Dafe, gave the directives during a  meeting between members of the Committee and the Chairmen, Heads of Personnel Management and Treasurers of the nine local government councils on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Dafe also requested the councils to make available records of  how much they have received since their assumption of office.

    He further directed that all requested documents  which should be  addressed to him, should  reach the Clerk of the Committee, Mrs Uche Nwugbana on or before Tuesday, Nov. 11.

    The committee chairman said  the meeting was in line with Constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as altered.

    The committee chairman said that the interactive session with the councils chairmen and management team was far reaching and revealing.

    Dafe (PDP-Ukwuani) flanked by some members of the Committee including Mr Oboro Preyor, (PDP-Bomadi), Mr Emmanuel Sinebe (PDP- Patani), Mr Isaac Anwuzia (PDP- Aniocha South) and  Mr Augustine Uroye (PDP- Warri South I), disclosed that those from Delta Central and South would take their turns.

    Dafe also congratulated the council chairmen for their victories at the polls and celebration of their 100 days in office.

    The lawmaker stressed the need for them  to foster good and cordial relationship with one another.

    Dafe however, drew the attention of the council chairman to section 60 sub sections (5a and 5b) of the Local Government Law as regarding appointments into political offices and advised them to strictly adhere to it.

    Also, Mr Oboro Preyor, a member of the committee, stressed the need  for the council chairmen to respect the rules and regulations guiding activities of the councils.

    Preyor gave a brief overview of the State Fiscal Responsibility Law and reminded the officials that no contract should be executed outside what was provided in the budget.

    He also advised them on the need to engage in training programme to keep abreast with the current Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) guidelines on budgeting, income and expenditure.

    On his part, Mr Augustine Uroye, emphasised that the laws regulating activities of the 25 local government councils in the state placed their supervision under the purview of the State Assembly.

    Uroye  stressed the need for all parties to respect provisions of the law.

    In their remarks, Mr Isaac Anwuzia and Mr Emmanuel Sinebe, commended the large turnout at the meeting and stressed the need for the chairmen to maintain a good working relationship with the Committee.

    They said this would help to promote peace, security and good governance at the grassroots.

    Responding on behalf of the Council chairmen, Chief Obi Nzete, Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government,  thanked the chairman and members of the committee  for the robust interactive session.

    He said the councils were very much aware of powers of the Assembly in carrying out their oversight functions and assured  them of a good working relationship with all stakeholders.