Members of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, in a 4-day Post-Induction Retreat called on its participants to be above board in the drive for excellence in leadership and governance of the state.
The topics include, “Leadership Tips, Budget Presentation and Appropriation Process”, “Fundamental of Legislative Oversight and Mental Health”, and “Understanding the Standing Orders of the House”.
Giving the opening remarks, in Asaba, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the retreat is an offshoot of the pre-inauguration induction training of Members which took place in Abuja between the 8th-12th of May, 2023.
The Speaker, said the retreat would provide the lawmakers with necessary insight on how best to navigate complex governance issues in the course of their legislative duties.
“As legislators, you need more than common sense in applying the Standing Orders and Rules of the House, as well as, your approach in oversight function in Committees’ assignments. The strategy and skill sets for a well informed and meaningful debates, ditto other legislative functions must be deliberately learnt.
“Fortunately for us, our development partner, Africa Resource Centre, is here to facilitate this programme and guide us through the labyrinth of legislative niceties we confront daily as legislators. I have no doubt in the ability of the resource persons to meet our expectations.
“My dear colleagues, this retreat is a golden opportunity for us to expand our knowledge and proficiency in legislative processes to meaningfully engage in our constitutional duties. Already, the House has received and equally processing the Delta State Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) 2024 – 2026.
“We are expected to scrutinize and approve the FSP to enable the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, present year 2024 Budget to the House. In the course of the retreat, a renowned budget expert will take us through the nitty gritty of the Fiscal Strategy Paper/ Medium Term Expenditure Framework (FSP/MTEF).
Meanwhile, the Acting Clerk of the House, Oto Aghoghopia, said the retreat is in furtherance of the earlier Pre-inauguration induction programme organized for Members of the 8th Assembly, adding that the leadership of the House through the ongoing retreat will address some of the strategic areas of legislative practice and procedures.
The lead Consultant and facilitator, John Mutu commended the leadership of the Delta State Assembly for always partnering with African Parliamentary Resource Center to share and contribute in the vision of the House.
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