Since its inauguration barely two years ago, precisely June 13, 2023, the Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor led 8th Assembly in the Delta State legislature has continued to swing surprises.
From its core legislative assignment of lawmaking, constituency representations and oversight functions, the 8th Assembly under the watch of the Warri-born lawmaker has not ceased to churn out positive surprises.
The latest among the lists of the positive wonderment of the Okporoza-born lawmaker from Warri South-West Local Government Area of the oil-rich Delta State and his team, occurred recently within the bowels of the large capacity hall of Mariam Babangida Leisure Park in the Anwai area of the State capital.
To many, it was their first time visiting the park which prides itself among the best in Africa.
Designed to serve as a city park with large green areas and prominent vistas within the city, the Park, cutting across 114,000 square meters, offers a serene environment, beautiful landscaping, and various recreational facilities.
Among the stunning beauties and facilities at the Park is a Water Park featuring a wave pool, water slides, and a swimming area perfect for hot days.
Also at the Park is a Zoo playing home to over 70 animals from more than 50 species, offering a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife
Similarly, a Sky Tower; a 10-storey tower providing panoramic views of the park and the city was yet another stunning site to behold at the Park as well as a Film Village; a venue for movie productions, providing a village-like setting. It’s indeed a perfect place for relaxation and recreation
Away from the appealing nature of the Park, the event of Thursday, March 13, 2025 which, of course is the essence of this discourse remains critical. The event may have come and gone, but the lasting memories it exuded would remain testimonial.
It was the first time the over 200 Legislative Aides of all 29 lawmakers in the State gathered under one roof and a common platform for a chat and interface
It was a three-day capacity workshop for the over 200 legislative Aides of members of the State House of Assembly. Expectedly, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor was billed to declare the workshop with the theme; “The Role of Legislative Aides In Enhancing Members’ Productivity In State Legislature”, open.
The opening ceremony was slated for 9:00 am. By 8:30 am, the large capacity hall of the leisure park was already filled to brim with a sea of heads. Although the Speaker delayed a bit coming as against the initial arrangement, but like the much adorned bride, the legislative Aides and workshop attendees waited patiently for him to officially declare the workshop open.
Alas, he came. He was not alone, he was accompanied by a cream of principal officers who included the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi (PhD), Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Emeka Asamuta, as well as the Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Mr. Sunday Ebireri who had earlier been around.
With the prayers said, National Anthem observed and opening remarks by the Speaker taken, the big surprise was unveiled; It was a vote of implicit confidence on the Speaker and his team-the State lawmakers.
It was indeed, a bang. They planned it, nurtured it and of course, waited for the right moment to express it. The hall shook and the foundation quake in response to the thunderous ‘hii’ that erupted in positive response to the motion of a confidence vote passed on the Speaker and his team.
This came following a motion moved to that effect by the Private Secretary to the Member Representing Burutu 2 State Constituency, Mr. Anthony Gbafade, and seconded by the Legal Assistant to the member representing Ika North East, Barr Hannah Enyawuile, as it was unanimously adopted by the over 200 legislative Aides.
According to the proponent of the motion, the Confidence vote was in recognition of the Speaker’s administrative Ingenuity, since he assumed office as speaker of the State Assembly.
Meanwhile, prior to the Vote of Confidence, the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, had challenged the Legislative Aides to ensure optimal support services to their Principals as they strive to achieve the desired results.
Guwor, while addressing the Aides before declaring open the three-day workshop, enjoined them to take advantage of the Capacity Building Programme to improve on their respective legislative priorities.
He listed the work schedules for the Aides to include, legislative/legal research, drafting of bills and motions, writing of speeches, arranging constituency meetings, liaising with constituents on behalf of Members, preparing debates for Members, and coordinating Members’ programmes, among others
Accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo; Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi; Deputy Majority Whip, Emeka Osamuta and Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Mr Sunday Ebireri, the Speaker also enjoined participants to give all the seriousness that the Workshop deserves.
He said, “this Workshop is so dear to my heart because it is the first time Legislative Aides to Honourable Members of the House are formally coming together to undergo tutelage in legislative practice and procedures.
“Granted, some of you may have one or two experiences in legislative practice, however, society is dynamic, and knowledge in a particular field is always evolving; better approaches and ways of doing things are constantly evolving”.
“For sake of emphasis, I would like to reiterate that legislative aides are cornerstones meant to provide support services to Members” Guwor stated.
The Speaker in a special way commended the Clerk of the House, Otto Aghoghophia, and the Executive Director of African Parliamentary Resource Center, Dr John Mutu, for putting in their best to drive a well-articulated and one of the best organized Capacity Building Workshops in recent times.
On their parts, both Aghoghophia and Mutu had also paid glowing tributes to the Speaker and the leadership of the State Assembly for organizing the workshop for the political aides, even as they expressed optimism that the exercise would go a long way in helping the political appointees in discharging their assignment creditably.
“This workshop will no doubt serve as an enlightenment to participants who play significant role in rendering services to their bosses”, Mutu added
Reacting to the resounding Vote of Confidence on Mr Speaker and his leadership by the legislative aides, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State Assembly, Nkem Nwaeke, described the development as well deserved.
Nwaeke in a statement acknowledged the Vote of Confidence on his Boss, and expressed gratitude to the members’ aides for the trust and support for the Speaker.
The CPS reiterated the Speaker’s commitment to delivering effective representation and legislation for the people of Delta State.
He said “The Office of the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, is delighted to receive the overwhelming Vote of Confidence from the legislative aides of the 29 members of the House. This gesture is a testament to the Speaker’s leadership and vision, which have fostered a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
“We are grateful for the trust and support reposed in the Speaker’s leadership, and we assure the people of Delta State that our Boss will continue to work tirelessly to deliver effective representation and legislation that benefits all Deltans.
“This Vote of confidence is a morale booster, and the Speaker is committed to sustaining the tempo of progress and development in Delta State.
“Mr Speaker appreciates the legislative aides for their hard work and dedication to the service of the House and the people of Delta State”, Nwaeke stated.
