The twenty nine members elect for the 8th Delta State Assembly are presently in Abuja, the nation’s capital city on a three day pre-inauguration induction course with the theme “Effective Collaboration and Partnership for Optimal Performance”.
Governor-elect and Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori in his remarks during the opening session, said expectations are high, hence the programme to prepare the elected representatives of the 29 constituencies on the task before them in the next political dispensation in the state.
Members elect for the 8th Delta Assembly include 9 returning lawmakers and 20 first timers, most of whom had in recent times held various executive positions in the state before resigning to contest for seat in the State Assembly.
The 9 returning lawmakers include Majority Leader of the House, Ferguson Onwo, Isoko South Two, Deputy Majority Leader, Oboro Preyor, Bomadi, Majority Whip, Festus Okoh, Ika South and Deputy Majority Whip, Fred Martins, Warri North.
Others are Hon Charles Emetulu, Ndokwa West, Emeka Nwaobi, Aniocha North, Austin Uroye, Warri South One, Emomotimi Guwor, Warri South West and Emmanuel Sinebe, Patani.
While the 20 first timers, include Arthur Akpowhowho, Ethiope East, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Ika North East, Blessing Achoja, Ethiope West, Prince Emeka Samuta, Ndokwa East, James Augoye, Okpe, Collins Egbetamah, Udu, Mathew Omonade, Ughelli North One, Spencer Ohwofa, Ughelli North Two, Frank Esenwah, Oshimili North, and Bridget Anyafulu, Oshimili South.
Others are Isaac Anwuzia, Aniocha South,
Perkins Umukoro, Sapele, Festus Utuama, Ughelli South, Edafe Emakpor, Uvwie, Benson Obire, Warri South Two, Chukwudi Dafe, Ukwuani, Pereotu Oloye, Burutu Two, Bernard Odior, Isoko North, Bino Obowomano, Isoko South One and Anthony Alapala, Burutu one Constituency.
Governor elect and Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori explained that every necessary steps must be taken to ensure that the Delta State Legislature maintain its leading position in the comity of states Legislature In Nigeria.
Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Ocholor, said members elect are expected to have firm knowledge in lawmaking procedures, oversight functions as well as rules and standing orders of the House.
Stressing that Delta State Assembly prides itself as the most vibrant House in the country.
Mrs Ocholor emphasized that such enviable records in the nation’s legislature it strives to sustain in the 8th Assembly.
“This programme is aimed at introducing members Elect to the rudimentary steps of opening a new parliament, and to acquaint you with the necessary tools that will make you effective in the art of law making, oversight function and representation of your constituents, which are the primary functions of a legislator.
“To the returning members, this programme will serve as a refresher course for you. Some of you have passed through this class a couple of times. But there is always a fresh perspective to Learning. This is the beauty of the Legislature”.
Mrs Ocholor noted that all the 29 members elect are actively participating in the induction course, featuring Lectures, Technical, syndicate and Mock Plenary Sessions, amongst others.
She disclosed that resource persons who are seasoned technocrats in legislative matters, including John Mutu, Dr Shuaibu Danwanka, Dr Aminu, Ambassador Jerry Ugokwe, Dr Ben Ekeyi, and Barr Ibrahim Usman would take participants through topical issues for the pre-inauguration induction programme.
Ocholor listed the topics to include, “Powers, Privileges, Immunities and Limitations of the Legislature”, “Principles of Separation of Powers and Doctrine of Checks and Balances”, “General Functions of the Legislature and Role of a Lawmaker”, “Introduction to Standing Orders of the Delta State House of Assembly”, “The Committee System and Oversight Process in the Legislature”, “An overview of the Appropriation Process”, “Role of the Bureaucracy and Legislative Aides”, “Laws and Regulations Guiding the use of Public Funds and Legislative Fund Management Law’ as well as “Visioning, Strategic Planning and Agenda Setting in the Legislature”.
“I wish to thank the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Governor Elect of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and the Principal officers of the house for not only approving this induction programme but also for releasing the required funds to enable the Management of the Assembly put this programme together”,
Chief Executive Officer of African Parliamentary Resource Centre, APRC, Mr John Mutu, who is the lead resource person for the programme, while setting the agenda, objectives, methodology and expectations for the induction course, expressed optimism of a vibrant 8th Delta State Assembly.
Mr Mutu charged the members elect to make meaningful contributions during the course of the programme which ends on Friday, May 12.