By John Egie
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, has restated the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws aimed at improving the well-being of citizens across the state.
He made the avowal during a meeting with members of the Delta Online Publishers’ Forum (DOPF) at the Assembly complex in Asaba on Wednesday, 25th September 2024.
Responding to issues raised in a speech earlier presented by the Chairman of DOPF, Emmanuel Enebeli, Speaker Guwor underscored the Legislature’s critical role in a democracy, as an arm of government entrusted with making laws to ensure peace, order, and good governance.
He said under his leadership, the current Assembly has passed several key bills, many of which have already been signed into law by the Governor and informed that the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, chaired by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, “is actively ensuring these laws are effectively implemented.”
Speaking on challenges of housing, transportation, and the rising cost of living, the Speaker said those matters largely fall under the Executive’s jurisdiction. However, he expressed the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with other arms of government to address those pressing issues.
Describing the media as a crucial pillar of democracy the Speaker hailed DOPF for its contribution to the development of the state. And for that purpose, stressed the need for a stronger working relationship between DOPF and the Assembly to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of legislative activities.
“We encourage the media to seek clarifications on legislative matters directly from the Assembly to prevent misinformation and stop the spread of fake news,” Guwor added.
Early on, Chairman of DOPF, Emmanuel Enebeli, commended the Speaker’s dynamic leadership style during the first year of the 8th Assembly, which yielded smooth cooperation with other arms of government in advancing the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
Enebeli also spoke on the issues relating to security concerns especially the farmer-herder clashes that have negatively impacted on food production among farming communities in Delta State.
“The ongoing clashes between farmers and herders have disrupted agricultural activities and worsened food insecurity in several parts of the state. While we appreciate the Assembly’s efforts, more needs to be done to ensure farmers can access their lands safely, especially in areas like Ughelli North, Ethiope East, Ukwuani, and Ika South Local Government Areas,” he urged.
Waste management and environmental cleanliness, housing and skyrocketing rents and prevailing high transport fare regimes were among other troubling issues DOPF drew the Speaker’s attention to during the visit.
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