Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has enjoined the various standing committees of the House to remain focused on people‑centered governance as they meet the various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the ongoing budget defence sessions.
Rt Hon Guwor stated this when he made a surprising, brief appearance at the budget defence sitting of the House Committee on Health, led by Hon Ferguson Onwo, at the State Assembly Complex in Asaba.
The Speaker explained that he decided to observe the exercise as a way of encouraging members and expressed support and appreciation for the efforts being made by his colleagues to ensure accountability and equitable development in the state.
He commended the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon Ferguson Onwo, and the members for painstakingly taking the necessary measures to achieve the best outcomes in the exercise.
“I am glad to see the Chairman and members of the Health Committee digging into the 2026 budget with the MDAs under its oversight,” Guwor said.
The Speaker restated the commitment of the House to the early passage of the Appropriation Bill, maintaining that the 8th Assembly would continue to collaborate with the Executive to ensure that the proposed budget estimate is turned into tangible infrastructure and social gains.
For his part, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Ferguson Onwo, expressed profound gratitude to the Speaker for always showing leadership and direction, describing the surprise appearance as a great motivation to members.
He said it also shows commitment to transparency and good governance in the state.
Onwo assured the Speaker of the committee’s resolve to ensure a thorough, transparent and speedy review of the budget estimates of the MDAs under its supervision.
The lawmaker had earlier, during the opening session, emphasized that the power of the purse is one of the legislature’s most important constitutional responsibilities, stressing that every line in the 2026 budget proposal is a promise to the people of Delta, not just a number.
Hon Onwo stated that the MDAs are expected to explain how each naira aligns with the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda” of the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, saying that the Committee would make sure the budget translates into real action in the health sector.
“Let’s keep the momentum, stay transparent, stay focused and make sure this budget works in all segments of the state economy, especially the health sector. Transparency and accountability demand clear justification for every expenditure,” Onwo added.
The Lawmaker described the sessions as “productive, cordial and encouraging,” stressing that the process is a constitutional requirement to ensure transparency and accountability in public spending.
Onwo noted that the legislature is empowered by the Constitution, the Fiscal Responsibility Act and IPSAS standards to scrutinise budget proposals.
He emphasized that the health sector remains a top priority for the state government and assured that lawmakers would continue to support policies that broaden access to quality care.
The Speaker also made similar brief, surprising appearances at the sitting of the Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, led by Hon Dafe Emakpor at the Committee Room 2.