Delta Assembly Marks Third Anniversary, Highlights Legislative Milestones and Institutional Reforms
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Guwor Emomotimi Dennis, has highlighted the legislative achievements, institutional reforms, and developmental contributions of the 8th Assembly as it marked its third anniversary in office.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Thursday in Asaba, the Speaker said the Assembly had remained committed to its constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, representation, and partnership in governance since its inauguration.
Rt. Hon. Guwor noted that the House maintained a cordial and productive relationship with the Executive arm of government while preserving the principles of separation of powers. According to him, the collaboration has played a significant role in supporting the implementation of Governor Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori's M.O.R.E Agenda, leading to substantial infrastructural development across the state.
He cited the construction of major flyovers in Warri, Uvwie, Ughelli, and Agbor, improved road networks linking rural and urban communities, expanded healthcare services, and sustained development in riverine areas as evidence of the administration's achievements.
Legislative Performance
Reviewing the activities of the Third Session of the 8th Assembly, the Speaker disclosed that the House received eleven bills, comprising five Executive Bills and six Private Members' Bills.
Of the eleven bills, five have been passed, with four already receiving gubernatorial assent, while one is awaiting assent.
Among the key bills passed were the Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Delta State Appropriation Bill, 2026; the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2025; and the Delta State Revenue Service Bill, 2026.
Several other important bills remain under consideration, including the Delta State Gaming Board Bill, Delta State Landlord and Tenant Bill, Violence Against Persons (Amendment) Bill, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B/C Anti-Discrimination, Prevention and Protection Bill, Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Bill, and the Public Health and Hygiene Bill.
N1.729 Trillion Budget Approved
The Speaker described the approval of the 2026 Appropriation Law as one of the Assembly's major contributions to development.
According to him, lawmakers increased the proposed budget from N1.664 trillion to N1.729 trillion to provide additional funding for critical projects and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Deltans.
He also highlighted the significance of the Delta State Revenue Service Bill, 2026, noting that it is designed to harmonise revenue collection, eliminate multiple taxation, improve ease of doing business, and attract investment into the state.
Oversight and Confirmations
Beyond lawmaking, the Assembly carried out several oversight responsibilities, including the screening and confirmation of nominees into the Delta State Civil Service Commission, Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency, and the Delta State Judicial Service Commission.
The House also considered and approved reports from the Auditor-General on the 2024 accounts of the Delta State Government, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), and the twenty-five local government councils in the state.
Legislative Innovation
A major institutional milestone recorded during the period was the establishment of the Post-Legislative Scrutiny Department within the House.
The initiative, facilitated by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, is designed to monitor and evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of laws passed by the Assembly and recommend improvements where necessary.
The Speaker noted that Delta State is only the second state in Nigeria, after Oyo State, to establish such a department.
Preserving Legislative Heritage
Another landmark achievement was the successful hosting of a reunion involving both serving and former members of the Delta State House of Assembly.
The historic gathering, held on November 14, 2025, was the first of its kind since the creation of the Assembly in 1992 and served as a platform for promoting unity, preserving institutional memory, and strengthening legislative traditions.
National Leadership Recognition
The Assembly also recorded significant recognition at the national level.
Rt. Hon. Guwor disclosed that he was unanimously elected Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, while the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly emerged Chairman of the Forum of Deputy Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.
Similarly, the House Leader was elected Chairman of the Nigeria Majority Leaders' Forum.
The Speaker described the development as unprecedented and a reflection of the confidence reposed in the leadership of the Delta State House of Assembly by legislative colleagues across the country.
Staff Welfare and Capacity Building
The Speaker said the House continued to prioritise staff welfare through regular training, professional development programmes, and sponsorship to conferences.
He particularly commended the implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for staff of the Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission, describing it as a major boost to staff morale and productivity.
He also revealed that construction work is progressing on a dual-purpose complex that will house the Assembly Service Commission and an Assembly Clinic.
Commitment to Greater Service
While expressing gratitude to God, Governor Oborevwori, fellow lawmakers, Assembly staff, and media practitioners, the Speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the 8th Assembly to people-centred legislation, effective oversight, transparency, accountability, and support for policies that promote peace, growth, and prosperity in Delta State.
He assured Deltans that the Assembly would continue to work in partnership with relevant stakeholders to deepen democratic governance and improve the quality of life of citizens across the state.
