Delta @33: The Legislature, The People And The Journey So Far

FEW days ago, precisely Tuesday, August 27, this year, Delta, the oil-rich State in the South- South region, turned 33 as an autonomous State in the country

Created from the defunct Bendel State with its sister-state; Edo on August 27, 1991 by the then Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Delta with a current population of over Four Million marked its 33rd anniversary in grand style

Thirty-three years down the line, Delta State, no doubt, has gone through series of positive transformation across the three distinct arms of government -the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

For the state legislature which, of course is the epicenter of this discourse and, saddled with the responsibility of making the laws that govern the State, has also, recorded a plethora of transforma­tion from the first assembly to the current Eight Assembly.

Understandably and, as available record holds, the first Assembly of the State legislature which existed between 1992 and 1993 came into ex­istence following a nationwide general election held on December 4, 1991 wherein Thirty-Eight Deltans were elected under the then existing two political parties-the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) to represent the then 19 local government areas in the maiden State House of Assembly

The House which was formally Inaugurated by the first Executive Governor of the State, Chief Fe­lix Ibru on January 3, 1992 saw the emergence of Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro as Speaker, the pioneer Speaker of the State legislature.

Barely six years later, the second Assembly which commenced its legislative life in the present permanent complex of the State legislature, was Inaugurated on June 3, 1999 following a procla­mation by the then Governor of the State, Chief James Ibori with 29 members subscribing to an oat of allegiance.

The second assembly had Rt. Hon. Francis Magbele, member representing Warri North as its Speaker and Rt. Hon. Akpor Ewherido , member representing Ughelli South as Deputy Speaker.

However, following a major shakeup in the House, the House dropped all its principal officers save the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Francis Magbele. A new Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Festus Ovie Agas was elected and duly sworn in.

Third Assembly; the four year tenure of the third assembly saw the emergence of two separate Speakers who included; Rt. Hon. Young Igbrude – June 3, 2003 to May 25, 2006 and Rt. Hon. Franc Enekoroaha -May 25, 2006 to June 4, 2007.

Similarly, the four year tenure of the fourth assembly saw the emergence of three seperate Speakers who included; Rt. Hon. Olisa Imegwu – June 3, 2007 to May 22, 2008, Rt. Hon. Martins Okonta -May 22, 2008 to July 29, 2010 and Rt. Hon. Sam Obi, July 29, 2010 to June, 2011.

In same token, the four year tenure of the fifth As­sembly saw the emergence of two separate Speakers who included; Rt. Hon. Victor Ochie and Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya. While Ochie’s tenure lasted between June 6, 2011 to March 18, 2014, Rt. Hon. Onwusanya’s tenure lasted between March 18, 2014 to June 8, 2015.

Sixth Assembly; the sixth Assembly recorded sig­nificant transformation in the State House of Assembly. Barely one year in the administration of the sixth Assem­bly, the house witnessed mass movement of members who earlier secured their ticket to the State House of Assembly under the platform of another party such as the Labour Party (LP), and Accord Party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The movement brought then the number of PDP membership in the House to 28 just as the Social Democratic party member in the House, maintained his identity.

Meanwhile, the House in the sixth Assembly, recorded major shakeup following the removal of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya on May 11, 2017 after serving for barely two years as Speaker.

His removal, saw the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who held sway as Speaker of the Sixth As­sembly through the Seventh Assembly from May 11, 2017 to June, 2023

The 8th Assembly; the current Assembly which was formally Inaugurated on June 13, this year following a proclamation by the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Obor­evwori, has Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor as Speaker and Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo as Deputy Speaker.

Speaking on the legislative journey so far in the State as it marks its 33rd anniversary, the current Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor said that the State, within the period under review, has grown in leaps and bounds with robust testimony of People-Oriented legislation.

The Speaker in his goodwill message to Delt­ans, said that the State, in its journey as a distinct entity has been very fulfilling and rewarding, adding that Deltans have a lot to celebrate as the State, has within the past 33 years, recorded significant strides.

The Speaker whose goodwill message was con­veyed to Deltans through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nkem Nwaeke, acknowledged the resilience and determination of the people, which he said have made Delta State a beacon of hope and opportunities.

Rt Hon Guwor who represents Warri South West in the House and the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of As­sembly in Nigeria, paid glowing tributes to the visionaries that fought for the creation of the state and the leaders who have guided the people thus far.

He said, “Today, we celebrate a significant mile­stone in our state’s history, the 33rd anniversary of the creation of Delta State. On this day, August 27, 1991, our state was born, and we began our journey as a distinct entity.

“I congratulate His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori who by the mercy of God and with the massive support from Deltans, is presid­ing over the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the state as Governor. I also congratulate the peo­ple of Delta State for the unique unity of purpose, bonds of love and friendship over these years”.

Rt Hon Guwor reflected on the progress the state has made and the challenges it has over­come as an indivisible entity, stressing that the State has grown from a fledgling state to a thriv­ing hub of commerce, industry, and culture.

“As Speaker of the Delta State House of Assem­bly, I acknowledge the resilience and determina­tion of our people, who have made Delta State a beacon of hope and opportunity.

“As we celebrate this anniversary, I, on behalf of the State Legislature and in synergy with His Excellency, recommit ourselves to building a brighter future for our state. We will continue to work tirelessly to enact laws that would ad­dress the needs of the people, promote economic growth, and uphold the principles of justice and equality”, Guwor stated.

While wishing Deltans happy 33 anniversary celebration, the Speaker prayed to God to bless the state and guide the people towards a prosper­ous tomorrow.