Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, has highlighted major legislative achievements, institutional reforms, and developmental partnerships recorded by the 8th Assembly over the past three years, declaring that the legislature remains committed to advancing good governance and people-oriented legislation in the state.
Speaking during a press briefing to commemorate the Third Anniversary of the 8th Assembly on Thursday in Asaba, Guwor said the House had continued to discharge its constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, representation, and partnership in governance while maintaining a productive relationship with the executive arm of government.
According to the Speaker, the cordial relationship between the legislature and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration has contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda and the delivery of critical infrastructure projects across the state.
“Over the period under review, the House sustained a cordial, productive and mutually respectful relationship with the Executive arm of government, while maintaining the sanctity of the doctrine of separation of powers and non-interference,” Guwor stated.
“This healthy collaboration has significantly contributed to the successful implementation of the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda, resulting in remarkable infrastructural development across the State.”
The Speaker noted that major flyover projects in Uvwie, Warri, Ughelli and Agbor, as well as extensive road networks connecting rural communities to urban centres, healthcare investments and development projects in riverine areas, were visible indicators of the state’s progress.
Providing an account of legislative activities during the Third Session, Guwor disclosed that the House received 11 bills comprising five Executive Bills and six Private Members’ Bills. Of the number, five bills were passed, four assented to by Governor Oborevwori, while one is awaiting assent.
Among the bills passed were the Appropriation (Amendment) Bill 2024, Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Bill 2025, Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025, Delta State Appropriation Bill 2026, and the Delta State Revenue Service Bill 2026.
He explained that the House increased the 2026 budget proposal from N1.664 trillion to N1.729 trillion to provide additional resources for critical development projects.
“One of the practical demonstrations of the House’s support for infrastructural development was the approval of the 2026 Appropriation Law,” he said.
“The House appropriated the sum of N1.729 trillion as against the N1.664 trillion initially presented by His Excellency, the Governor. This intervention was aimed at providing additional resources for critical projects and programmes that directly impact the lives of Deltans.”
On revenue reforms, Guwor described the Delta State Revenue Service Bill, 2026, as a landmark legislation aimed at harmonising revenue collection and creating a more business-friendly environment.
“The overarching objective of the Bill is to harmonise and improve revenue generation in the State, eliminate multiple taxation, and create a more business-friendly environment that will enhance ease of doing business and attract investment,” he said.
The Speaker also highlighted the Assembly’s oversight functions, including the screening and confirmation of nominees into key state commissions and the approval of audit reports covering the state government, DESOPADEC and the 25 local government councils for the 2024 financial year.
A major institutional milestone, according to him, was the establishment of a Post-Legislative Scrutiny Department with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), making Delta the second state in Nigeria after Oyo State to establish such a department.
“The Department is designed to systematically monitor and evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of laws passed by the House, assess their impact on the daily realities of our people, and recommend legislative interventions where necessary,” he explained.
Guwor also recalled the historic reunion of serving and former lawmakers held in November 2025, describing it as the first of its kind since the creation of the Assembly in 1992.
On national recognition, the Speaker noted that the leadership of the Delta State House of Assembly had attained unprecedented prominence, with himself elected Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, while the Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader emerged chairmen of their respective national legislative forums.
“This unprecedented achievement has elevated the profile and visibility of the Delta State House of Assembly at the national level and reinforces the confidence reposed in our leadership by our colleagues across the federation,” he said.
The Speaker further disclosed that staff welfare remained a priority, citing the implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), regular training programmes and ongoing construction of a dual-purpose complex for the Assembly Service Commission and Assembly Clinic.
Expressing appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, lawmakers, staff and media practitioners, Guwor reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to transparency, accountability and legislation that would improve the lives of Deltans.
“As we look ahead, the 8th Assembly remains committed to enacting people-oriented legislation, strengthening oversight functions, promoting transparency and accountability, and supporting policies and programmes that will advance the growth, peace and prosperity of Delta State,” the Speaker stated.
In his remarks, Chairman, of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyovwe thanked the leadership and members of the 8th Assembly for what he described as a focused driven Assembly, committed to the quality representation and assured of continuous media partnership with the house in all its activities.
The briefing formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly, inaugurated in June 2023.
