The Delta State House of Assembly have elected its principal officers for the 8th Assembly, with the member representing Aniocha North Constituency, Hon Emeka Nwaobi emerging as Majority Leader and the member representing Uvwie Constituency, Hon Edafe Emakpor as Minority Leader.
Their nominations were contained in two separate letters forwarded to the House by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Party (APC) respectively and read at plenary by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor.
Tuesday’s plenary, June 27, 2023, was the first session of the 8th Assembly.
The letter from the Peoples Democratic Party named Hon Perkins Umukoro, representing Sapele Constituency as Chief Whip; Festus Okoh, Ika South, Deputy Majority Leader; Fred Martins, Warri North, Deputy Chief Whip; Bernard Odior, Isoko North, Majority Whip and Prince Emeka Samuta, Ndokwa East, as Deputy Majority Whip.
While the All Progressive Party letter, nominated the member representing Burutu I Constituency, Anthony Alapala as Minority Whip.
Hon Emeka Nwaobi expressed thanks to God for his emergence as the Majority Leader of the 8th Assembly and appreciated the PDP and the people of Aniocha North.
He pledged total loyalty to the Speaker, the leader of the party in the state and Governor, stating that the House will maintain its leading position in legislative business in the comity of States Houses of Assembly in the country.
Speaker addresses 8th Assembly
In his remark, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor, while welcoming members to the first plenary after the inauguration of the 8th Assembly on 13th June, 2023, urged all to strive towards achieving the set goals irrespective of political parties affiliations.
“Let me once again congratulate all of us for a successful inauguration. I thank God Almighty for His blessings and mercies upon our lives. Distinguished colleagues, I do hope you caught some rest during the short break after inauguration.
“In my acceptance speech, I promised that the House will hit the ground running. By the special grace of God, we have been equipped with fundamental skills in legislative practice and procedures at the Workshop in Ikot Ekpene.
“As representatives of the people, we will prioritize the security and welfare of our constituents in our legislative duties. 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 synergize for the interest of the people”, Guwor noted.
