In a significant boost to legislative leadership in Nigeria’s subnational sphere, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has been elected unopposed as the new Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria.
The election took place during an extraordinary session of the Conference held in Abuja on Monday where Guwor’s colleagues rallied behind him without contest, citing his proven leadership qualities and consistent record of service. He had previously served as the group’s Treasurer since 2023.
Rt Hon Abdulkarim Lawal, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, emerged as Deputy Chairman, while Rt Hon Abdulmalik Sarikin Dani of the Niger State House of Assembly took over as Treasurer. The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly was elected Financial Secretary, alongside other executive positions filled to strengthen the body’s operations.
In his acceptance address, the elated new Chairman expressed profound gratitude and humility, describing the election as a collective affirmation of the resolve to fortify democracy at the state level.
“I stand before you today deeply honoured, profoundly humbled, and sincerely grateful for the confidence you have reposed in me,” Guwor declared. “This moment is not merely personal; it is symbolic of our collective resolve to strengthen democracy, deepen legislative excellence, and reposition our State Legislatures as vibrant pillars in the architecture of Nigeria’s constitutional governance.”
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He pledged to lead with integrity, courage, fairness, and total commitment, emphasizing that the Conference serves as the conscience, coordination hub, and collaborative force for subnational legislatures amid growing demands for responsive governance, economic inclusion, social stability, and institutional trust.
“As Speakers, we preside over the very chambers where Bills are debated, budgets scrutinized, and the hopes of millions articulated. We are custodians of democracy at the sub-national level,” he said. “Our decisions shape development. Our unity strengthens the nation.”
Guwor outlined key priorities for his tenure, including promoting legislative independence rooted in accountability, building capacity for lawmakers and staff, harmonizing progressive practices across assemblies, fostering stronger intergovernmental ties, and engaging citizens to rebuild public confidence in democratic institutions.
He vowed to transform the Conference into “a platform for action, not merely dialogue; a forum for reform, not routine; and a rallying point for innovation, professionalism, and national cohesion.”
The Delta Speaker reserved special thanks for his home state, Governor Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori for unwavering support, his colleagues in the Delta Assembly, constituents who inspired him, and God for divine guidance. He also commended the outgoing leadership for laying a solid foundation.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Delta Speaker, Mr Nkem Nwaeke, described the election as a major milestone in Guwor’s leadership trajectory, highlighting his rising stature in national legislative circles.
