Delta Assembly flags off induction course for 29 members-elect

The management of the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday, flagged off a 5-day induction course for the 29 members-elect for the Delta 8th Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme with the theme “Effective Collaboration and Partnership for Optimal Performance”, is holding in Abuja, as part of management strategy to avoid distractions.

The Governor-elect, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, in a goodwill message at the opening session, said expectations were high, “hence the need to prepare the elected representatives on the task ahead”.

Oborevwori, who is the current Speaker of the State House of Assembly, asserted that
every necessary steps must be taken to ensure that the State Legislature maintain its leading position in the comity of states’ legislature in Nigeria.

In her remarks, the Clerk of the Delta House of Assembly, Mrs Lyna Ocholor, said members-elect were expected to have sound knowledge of lawmaking procedures, oversight functions as well as rules and standing orders of the house.

Ocholor said that the State Assembly prides itself as the most vibrant legislative house in the country, emphasising that there was the need to enhance the enviable track records in the 8th Assembly.

The clerk who is the Chairperson, Forum of Clerks of the State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, said that Delta legislature has been very prominent in the affairs of the nation.

She commended the active participation of members-elect in the induction course, featuring lectures and mock plenary sessions, amongst others.

She added that the programme was aimed at introducing members-elect to the rudimentary steps of opening a new parliament, and to acquaint them with the necessary tools that would make them effective in the art of law making, oversight function and representation of their respective 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”.

Ocholor 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 selected topical issues during the pre-inauguration induction programme.

She 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, among others.

“I wish to thank the Speaker who is also our Governor-Elect of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori and the Principal officers of the house not only approving this induction programme but also for releasing the required funds to enable the management of the Assembly put this programme together”, she added.

NAN also reports that the 29 members-elect for the 8th Assembly, including nine returning lawmakers and 20 first timers, are participating in the pre inauguration induction programme.

The Chief Executive Officer of African Parliamentary Resource Centre, APRC, Mr John Mutu, who is the lead resource person for the programme, expressed optimism of a vibrant Eight Delta Assembly.

Mutu charged the members-elect to make meaningful contributions during the course of the programme, saying that the induction course would promote efficiency in the Assembly.

Some of the members elect who spoke in separate interviews, commended the management of the 7th Assembly for the programme and expressed optimism of a vibrant 8th Delta State Assembly.

They acknowledged the need for the induction course as they prepare for their inauguration in June.

The nine returning lawmakers are the majority leader of the House, Mr Ferguson Onwo, Isoko South II, deputy majority leader, Mr Oboro Preyor, Bomadi, majority whip, Mr Festus Okoh, Ika South and deputy majority whip, Mr Fred Martins, Warri North.

Others include, Mr Charles Emetulu, Ndokwa West, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, Aniocha North, Mr Austin Uroye, Warri South I, Mr Dennis Guwor, Warri South West and Me Emmanuel Sinebe, Patani Constituencies.

While the 20 first timers, include Mr Arthur Akpowhowho, Ethiope East, Mrs Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Ika North East, Mr Blessing Achoja, Ethiope West, Prince Emeka Samuta, Ndokwa East, MrJames Augoye, Okpe and Mr Collins Egbetamah, Udu constituencies.

Others are Mr Mathew Omonade, Ughelli North I, Mr Spencer Ohwofa, Ughelli North II, Mr Frank Esenwah, Oshimili North, and Mrs Bridget Anyafulu, Oshimili South, Mr Isaac Anwuzia, Aniocha South, Mr
Perkins Umukoro, Sapele, Mr Festus Utuama, Ughelli South, Me Edafe Emakpor, Uvwie, Mr Benson Obire, Warri South II, Mr Chukwudi Dafe, Ukwuani, Me Pereotu Oloye, Burutu II, Mr Bernard Odior, Isoko North, Mr Bino Obowomano, Isoko South One Anthony Alapala, Burutu I Constituencies.(NAN).