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Tag: Delta Assembly

  • Delta Assembly confirms Aghoghophia as Substantive Clerk

    Delta Assembly confirms Aghoghophia as Substantive Clerk

    Delta State House of Assembly, Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of Mr Ottos Aghoghophia as the substantive Clerk of the State Legislature.

    The confirmation followed a motion to that effect by the Majority Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon Edafe Emakpor and adopted during plenary of the House, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

    Mr Aghoghophia, a Lawyer, was appointed Deputy Clerk in March 2017 and became the Acting Clerk of the House in June 2023, following the appointment of the former Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Ocholor as the Principal Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    In the same vein, the Lawmakers confirmed the appointment of Mr Smart Edoge as Deputy Clerk of the House.

    Mr Edoge was until his appointment as Deputy Clerk the head of Legal Department in the State Legislature.

    The Presiding Officer and Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor congratulated the duo for their appointments and charged them to bring to bear their wealth of experience in the office of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the House, respectively.

    Meanwhile, the confirmation of Ottos Aghoghophia as the Clerk of the House was greeted with wild celebrations by both the political class and members of the Parliamentary Staffs Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Delta State Assembly Chapter.

    Some of them who spoke, in their comments, said the appointment and subsequent confirmation were well deserved.

    They described Mr Aghoghovia as upright and hardworking, stressing that even as Deputy Clerk of the House for the past seven years, he has shown so much commitment and capacity in the discharge of his responsibilities.

    Stressing that the appointment was long overdue and merited, the respondents expressed optimism that the confirmation as substantive Clerk of the House would further strengthen his expertise in legislative business and push for staff welfare.

  • Delta Assembly passes Urban and Regional Planning Bill

    Delta Assembly passes Urban and Regional Planning Bill

    Delta State House of Assembly has passed the Urban and Regional Planning Bill, 2024.

    The executive bill was passed after its third reading at the plenary on Friday in Asaba.

    According to the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor, the bill has 10 parts and 78 clauses.

    Guwor said that when signed into law, the bill would ensure that the urban development activities in the state were carried out in safe and orderly manner.

    The lawmakers unanimously supported and passed the bill.

    The Speaker, thereafter, directed the Clerk of the assembly, Mr Otto Aghoghophia, to forward clean copies of the bill to the governor for his assent.

  • Delta Assembly confirms appointment of Oborevwori’s 3 nominees

    Delta Assembly confirms appointment of Oborevwori’s 3 nominees

    The Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, as the Chairman of the State  Bureau for Pensions.

    The House presided over by the Speaker Mr Dennis Guwor, also confirmed the appointment of Mr Ifeanyi Egwuyenga, as the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer for the State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, as well as Mr Jude Emurotu as member of the State Independent Electoral Commission.

    In his remarks, the speaker commended the lawmakers for their contributions for the successful screening of the nominees.

    ”At the Committee of the Whole, we screened the nominees and it was  thoroughly and successfully done.

    ”And I want to use this opportunity to commend members for their contributions towards the successful screening and confirmation of the nominees, ” he said.

    Guwor congratulated the nominees and urged them to discharge their duties creditably.

    One of the nominees Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, a retired Permanent Secretary from the State Civil Service, pledged to discharge his duties with all sense of responsibility.

    ”I want to pledge with my honour, I will be fair and just in carrying out my service, just as what I did when I was in service.

    ”I will do my utmost best in ensuring that pensioners receive their payment in due time,” he said.

  • Delta Assembly confirms Oborevwori’s 3 additional commissioner nominees

    Delta Assembly confirms Oborevwori’s 3 additional commissioner nominees

    The Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday confirmed Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori’s three additional commissioner nominees for appointment as members of the State Executive Council.

    This followed their successful screening by the House presided over by the speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor in Asaba.

    The nominees were Mr. Elemejero Ohwovoriole as Commissioner for Justice, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, Information and Mr Kalanama Penawou, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    In his remarks, the speaker commended the lawmakers on their contribution to the screening of the nominees.

    He urged them to discharge their duties creditably.

    One of the nominees Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, the commissioner designate for Information, expressed joy at the screening, describing the opportunity as a call to serve the people of the state.

    He assured that he would do his best to discharge his duties.

    ”I will ensure that I reverse the trend in the Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Warri, and the Pointer Newspaper.

    ”I will also ensure there is training and re-training of staff, because I know that training and re-training is very critical in order to bring out the best in them.

    ”I want to also use this opportunity to appeal to journalists in the state to keep hope alive. I am here to make a difference,” he said.

    The House had so far confirmed 29 commissioner nominees.

  • Delta assembly to unveil 2024 legislative agenda

    Delta assembly to unveil 2024 legislative agenda

    The Delta House of Assembly says it is working on plans to unveil its 2024 legislative agenda, aimed at enhancing the quality of lives of the people through basic infrastructure.

    Mr Dennis Guwor, the Speaker of the House, said this when he briefed newsmen in Asaba.

    Guwor assured of the house commitment to fulfill its promise of good representation, lawmaking and oversight.

    “More impactful bills, motions and resolutions that will promote peace and good governance in the state will emanate from the state hallowed chamber in 2024,” he said.

    The Speaker also promised that the legislature would continue to work closely with the executive for the overall interest of the people.

    ”The state legislature will meet before the end of the month to set legislative agenda for 2024,” he said.
    Guwor said that the legislative framework would be designed in line with the MORE Agenda of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori
    The speaker who doubled as the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of States Houses of Assembly, said that the House would resume plenary on Tuesday, Jan. 16 after the Christmas and New Year break.

  • Delta Assembly vows to revive DLA

    Delta Assembly vows to revive DLA

    The Delta House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects has decried  the poor state of the Direct Labour Agency (DLA), an intervention agency of the State, and promised to take necessary steps to revive it.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Oboro Preyor, gave the assurance  in Asaba on Saturday during a maiden meeting of the committee with the interim management team of the agency.

    Preyor (PDP-Bomadi), who expressed concern over the ailing agency, said it should not be allowed to go into extinction.

    The lawmaker explained that the DLA was the only intervention agency established by Delta State Law to handle road maintenance and construction of smaller roads in the State.

    Preyor, who explained that the agency was established to function just like the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), noted that there was a time the agency was almost like a parallel body with the State ministry of works.

    He, thereafter, directed officials of the agency to present to the committee the exact cost of reviving the asphalt plants and machineries that could be salvaged, especially the earth-moving equipment.

    The chairman also directed the agency to furnish it with a detailed report of its strength and functions, saying there was the need to know whether the agency still has the manpower to handle projects.

    The lawmaker, however, noted that the committee was not interested in auctioning any of the equipment, but to approach authorities, particularly the governor of the state, to restore the agency.

    Preyor also warned officials of the agency against over bloated estimates on the repairs of the ailing facilities.

    He expressed the hope that someone with a vision would be appointed as the next Director-General of the agency.

    Mr Ferguson Onwo (PDP-Isoko South I), who expressed optimism towards reviving the agency, said, “it is cheaper to maintain roads than allow them to degenerate to the point that requires complete reconstruction.”

    Earlier, the Acting Director General of the agency, Mr Henry Emonena, said that the agency was a beehive of activities before the set backs that plunged it into its present state.

    Emonena recalled a time when no fewer than 50 road projects were inaugurated under the agency and regretted the loss of government patronage on it.

    He disclosed that all the asphalt plants, located in some parts of the state, were down due to incessant vandalism, adding that the present management was able to rehabilitate one recently.

    Delta Assembly pledges regular interface with MDAs for infrastructural development

    The Delta House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects, has pledged  regular interface with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under it oversight in order to achieve meaningful development.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Mr  Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi), gave the assurance in Asaba on Saturday during a meeting with top functionaries of the Ministry of Works, (Highways and Urban Roads) and (Rural and Riverine Roads), led by their Commissioners, Mr Reuben Izeze, and Mr Charles Aniagwu.

    Preyor said that the the decision of the committee to regularly interface with the MDAs was aimed at achieving more meaningful development in road infrastructural as envisioned in the ”MORE agenda”of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori.

    He also said that one of the oversight functions of the committee included supervision of projects under the MDAs.

    Preyor noted that as the technical arm of the state government, the Ministry of Works was expected to perform optimally, stressing that the functions and activities of the Ministry were key to assessing the performance of the present administration.

    The lawmaker noted that good and accessible roads across the state were needed to facilitate the evacuation of goods, especially farm produce across the state.
    Preyor congratulated and commended the State Governor for engaging Julius Berger Construction Company to handle some critical road projects in the state.

    ”With the enviable track record of the construction giant, Delta is in for accelerated development in road infrastructure,” he said.

    Preyor therefore charged the management team of the ministry of works to brace up for the task ahead.

    Two members of the committee, James Augoye (PDP-Okpe) and Ferguson Onwo (PDP-Isoko South I), urged the ministry to push for excellence at all times, saying that good road infrastructure was key to all-round development of the state.

    Earlier, the commissioners, Reuben Izeze and Charles Aniagwu, while briefing the committee, highlighted the prospects and challenges of the ministry and assured the lawmakers of the commitment of the management and staff of the ministries to delivering on their mandates.

    Similarly, the committee which also met with the  management of Special Projects  Office, called for the upgrade of the office of the State Commissioner for Special Projects to a Directorate or a full-fledged Ministry.

    The chairman of the committee said by so doing, the office would be accorded all the nomenclatures of a directorate or a ministry.

    Preyor explained that the office needed four major departments, including Administration, Finance, Inspectorate, as well as Planning, Research and Statistics, DPRS, with a Permanent Secretary to function effectively.

    Preyor charged the commissioners to introduce innovations that would stand the test of time and support government’s drive in fast tracking development in the state.

    He, however, assured the commissioners of necessary support from the State Legislature, saying that the 8th Delta Assembly, led by the Speaker, Dennis Guwor, was committed to fostering sound synergy with other arms of government.

    Preyor, who also stressed the need for a defined budget line for the special projects office, charged the commissioners to always ensure that standards were maintained in any project under their watch.

    He assured the commissioners of every necessary legislative support of the committee.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Special Project Office, Mr Funyei Manager, had appealed for effective collaboration with the lawmakers in his desire to achieve the vision of the State Governor in the development of the state.

  • Oborevwori presents additional N166.5bn supplementary budget to Delta Assembly

    Oborevwori presents additional N166.5bn supplementary budget to Delta Assembly

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has presented an additional 2023 N165.5 billion Supplementary Budget to the State House of Assembly for approval.

    This is contained in a letter read by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor during Tuesday’s plenary in Asaba.

    Oborevwori said that the supplementary budget was made up of N120.2 billion in capital expenditure and N46.3 billion in recurrent expenditure.

    He said that the supplementary budget would assist the government in further achieving the ”MORE agenda”.

    The house had in May passed a N71 billion supplementary budget for the state.

    Also at Tuesday’s plenary, the house received a letter from the governor nominating Dr Austin Obidi and Mr Isaac Akporveta as Chairman and Director General (DG) of the State Contributory Health Commission Board.

    The nominees were asked to submit 35 copies of their curriculum vitae to the office of the Clerk of the State House of Assembly on or before Monday, Sept. 11.

    They were to appear for screening on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

  • Delta Assembly approves Oborevwori’s request to appoint 20 SAs

    Delta Assembly approves Oborevwori’s request to appoint 20 SAs

    The Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the request of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to appoint 20 Special Advisers (SAs) to assist in driving the administration of the state.

    The approval of the governor’s request followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mr. Emeka Nwaobi, during plenary of the Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Dennis Guwor.

    The governor, had in a letter, requested for the Assembly’s approval for the appointment of the SAs and the letter was read during plenary of the Assembly.

    Oborevwori said that the request was in line with section 196, sub-section 1-3 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

    The governor who said he would appreciate the House for early consideration of the request, explained that the Special Advisers would assist in driving the administration’s development agenda.

    Also, the Assembly on Tuesday screened and confirmed the nominees for appointment into the Delta State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy as forwarded to it last week by the governor.

    The motions for the screening and confirmation were moved by the majority leader and seconded by the member representing Aniocha South constituency, Me Isaac Anwuzia.

    The nominees are Justice Celestina Ogisi (Rtd) as Chairman, Prof. Louis Ojogwu, Mr Alexander Neyin, Dr Iris  Ibi, Mr Augustine Eseagwu, Mr Festus Onyaeju, and Mrs Uju Rosaline Monye.

    The speaker commended members for the successful screening and advised the nominees to put in their best in ensuring speedy delivery of justice in the state.

    Oborevwori said the appointment followed the need for reconstitution of the Advisory Council as a result of the expiration of the tenure of members.

    He explained that the appointment was in exercise of powers conferred on him by Section 3, subsection 1 and 2 of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy Law 2016.

    The speaker, also at Tuesday plenary, condoled with the family of the former Head of Service of the State, Dr Samuel Okpokpor, over his demise at the weekend.

    The speaker prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the lost and the soul of late former Head of Service, Dr  Okpokpor entire rest.

  • Why Delta Assembly approved N40 billion facility for LG pensioners

    Why Delta Assembly approved N40 billion facility for LG pensioners

    The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday 27th June 2023 approved a N40 billion funding facility for the 25 local government councils of the State to defray their pension liabilities.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the House of Assembly approved the N40 billion funding facility during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, following a letter addressed to the House by the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Recall that Governor Oborevwori had promised to work out modalities to defray pension liabilities owed to local government pensioners and retired primary school teachers.

    Oborevwori made the promise inline with his campaign pledges when the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ALGON, Delta State Chapter led by Hon. Victor Ebonka, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba on 14th June.

    During the courtesy visit, the Governor noted the serious hardship being faced by the people of Delta State, following removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.

    While also noting that local governments play important roles in the development of the grassroot, Oborevwori stressed the need to properly manage the expectations of the people and especially provide palliatives.

    In line with managing the expectations of the people, the Governor remarked that his administration would collaborate with local government councils to pay the backlog of pensions owed to local government retirees and retired primary school teachers.

    “As the third tier of government, the local government plays a very significant role in our democratic setting and political evolution; being the arm of government that is closest to the grassroot.

    “I note with delight that the local government administration in the state has been characterised by peace and stability, in addition to strong synergy with the state government”.

    “With the hardship we are facing now with this subsidy removal, I want to appeal to you to talk to your people, your agents and tax collectors not to impose unnecessary taxes on our people.

    “Unlike some states, our local government councils have full control of their finances. In fact, the previous administration regularly assisted with grants, as a result of which we have continued to see steady progress in developing our rural areas.

    “We may not have been where we want to be but I am proud of the progress we have made. This administration will sustain the precedent that has been laid by my predecessor.

    “We shall not interfere with your finances and we will offer assistance where necessary. In this regard, we shall be collaborating with the Local Government Pension Bureau, to see how the lingering pension issues will be resolved.

    “We met last week to discuss the issue but with a caveat that it is necessary to have an Auditor to audit the pension board and see how the process is carried out diligently so that we can know the actual persons who are due for such monies.

    “We don’t want pension funds to be manipulated,” Oborevwori stated during the courtesy visit by ALGON, Delta State Chapter on 14th June.

    TNG reports the Delta State House of Assembly approved the N40 billion Zenith Bank facility for the 25 local government councils of the State to defray their pension liabilities shortly after that visit.

    Until now, the 25 local government councils in the State were owing their pensioners a backlog of pensions up to the tune of N51 billion.

    The State Government under the leadership of immediate past Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, assisted in no small measure to reduce the huge arrears.

    During his state wide electioneering campaigns tour as governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Oborevwori assured pensioners in the State that if elected, his administration will do whatever it takes to ensure that the arrears were paid.

    At the recent meeting with Delta ALGON, the government reached a consensus agreement with the body, and it was agreed that a N40 billion credit facility be obtained from Zenith Bank PLC to settle a substantial part of pensions arrears.

    However, the agreement came with a proviso that each local government will have to voluntarily without duress sign legal documents, as well as an irrevocable undertaking that its part of the credit facility should be deducted in monthly instalments at source from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) at a reasonable interest rate to Zenith bank.

    This means that the N40 billion credit facility through the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau approved by the State House of Assembly shall be repaid by the beneficiary local governments within a period of time from their share of FAAC monthly allocations.

  • Delta Assembly pledges to prioritise security, people’s welfare

    Delta Assembly pledges to prioritise security, people’s welfare

    The Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Mr Emomotimi Guwor has promised to place priority on security issues as well as the welfare of the people.

    Guwor said this at plenary on Tuesday in Asaba.

    “As representatives of the people, we will prioritize the security and welfare of our constituents in our legislative duties,” he said.

    Guwor while welcoming the lawmakers back to plenary after the inauguration of the 8th Assembly, advised them to work as a team irrespective of their political parties in order to ensure good governance in the state.

    ”I enjoin all of us to work as a team irrespective of party affiliations to enthrone good governance in the state. In all things, we should put the people first.

    ”I wish to also remind us that one tree can never make a forest.

    ”While maintaining our independence as a House, nevertheless, we will collaborate with the Executive arm of Government in delivering dividends of democracy to our people.

    ”We in the Legislature and the Executive are but only trustees of the people. Therefore, we have to synergise for the interest of the people,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the house had also elected its principal offices for the 8th Assembly, as Mr Emeka Nwaobi(PDP- Aniocha North) emerged as the Majority Leader, while Mr Festus Okoh was elected as the Deputy Majority Leader.

    Mr Edafe Emakpor (APC-Uvwie) was also elected as the Minority Leader, while Mr Anthony Ebitomimo (APC-Burutu 1) was elected as the Minority Whip.