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Delta 7th Assembly: We Must Conclude All Outstanding Legislative Assignments – Oborevwori.
Oborevwori To Lawmakers: Let Us Conclude All Outstanding Legislative Assignments
As the 7th Delta State Assembly draws to a close, the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has urged members to use the remaining few weeks to conclude all outstanding legislative assignments.
Rt Hon Oborevwori gave the charge on Tuesday, at the Hallowed Chamber, while addressing the Lawmakers during plenary of the House.
It was the first time the Speaker was presiding at plenary after his declaration as Delta State Governor Elect.
Welcoming members to the plenary, the Governor Elect and Speaker reminded the Lawmakers that they are at the last lap of the Seventh Assembly and stressed the need for the various House committees to expedite actions on all outstanding legislative assignments before them.
According to him; “Dear colleagues, today’s plenary is unique in the history of Delta State House of Assembly. It is the first time since the inception of the House that a Speaker of the House is presiding in plenary as a SPEAKER and also being the Governor-elect of the State. This is a groundbreaking feat for the Legislature in the State. You will recall that in the second week of February, 2023 the House adjourned to enable Members vying for elective positions at both national and State levels to fully embark on campaigns for the elections. Though, we have since resumed plenary, however, this is the first plenary of the House I am presiding over as a Speaker after my declaration by INEC as Governor-Elect of our dear State. To God be the Glory”.
“Specifically, the Presidential and National Assembly elections were held on Saturday, 25th February, 2023 and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly on Saturday, 18th March, 2023. The elections have come and gone, and I wish to congratulate our party members (the PDP) who won and those who lost gallantly. Nonetheless, I wish to also congratulate those who have been elected to the 8th Assembly of this honourable House. Irrespective of your political affiliation, I look forward to partnering with you to advance Delta State to the next level of growth and development”, he added.
Rt Hon Oborevwori also said that; “Again, let me seize this opportunity to thank our traditional rulers, civil society groups, organized labour, religious leaders and followers, grassroots organisations, all PDP faithful, women, men, youths, and above all God Almighty for my resounding victory at the polls. I will continue to trust in God for the wisdom and guidance required to advance Delta State with my M.O.R.E Agenda. It is also important that I commend the security agencies that ensured the election was held in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere. Also noteworthy, are the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, for their diligence and courage in the face of threats and intimidation. You did well to deliver a free, fair and credible election in Delta State. My gratitude also goes to the various observer teams and the press for their Independent and unbiased reporting and assessment. Posterity will be kind to you”.
“At this juncture, I wish to single out the youth of Delta State for standing resolute behind my candidacy and conducting themselves with decorum. You have started something remarkable, and I want to assure you that the youth will play a role in my administration. By the special grace of God, I will be Governor to all and sundry. Distinguished colleagues, I invite you to join me in celebrating our unrivalled leader and performing Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his revolutionary strides in human capital development, infrastructural renewal, and peace building. He has laid a solid foundation for the takeoff of the M.O.R.E Agenda. His monumental contribution to the success of the PDP in the just concluded elections in the State is unparalleled. I also wish to appreciate our leaders across Delta State for their show of love and support”, Rt Hon Oborevwori stated.
He further said that; “I have learnt many things in the past six years as Speaker of the House under the able leadership of Governor Okowa. One of them is that I have learnt the importance of setting the priorities of government, communicating goals and outcomes of policies and programmes, and pursuing them with relentless zeal. I certainly believe that my rich experience in the Executive and Legislative arms of government put me in a better position to deliver on my campaign promises and provide good governance to our people. My goal is to make life richer, better, and more fulfilling for all through the M.O.R.E Agenda. Mine is a mandate for consolidation and growth, investment and economic reform in advancing Delta”.
The Speaker said that; “Distinguished colleagues, as we resume plenary today, we should remember that we are at the last lap of the Seventh Assembly. We have few weeks to the end of our tenure. Let us endeavour to conclude on all outstanding legislative assignments in our various Committees. The Seventh Assembly has done very well in lawmaking, representation of constituents and oversight of other arms of government. I will reserve enumeration of our achievements till the valedictory Session. On this note, I would like to express my appreciation to Honourable Members for their unflinching support to the leadership of the House. Together, we have propelled the House to an enviable height in the comity of State Houses of Assembly in the country. We have also made history together as the Legislature that has produced a Governor of the State in our time. Congratulations to all of us”.
He specially thanked the management and staff of the House, led by the Clerk of the House, for their support to him, the leadership and members of the House, adding that; “The entire staff stood resolute behind me through the thick and thin of the electioneering process. Thank you for believing in me and I promise that the Legislature will always occupy the prime place in my heart”.
He said that; “As you will recall, after my victory, I made a promise to the Staff of the House that the leadership of the House led by me will immediately embark on maintenance and renovation of the Assembly complex. I also promised to provide furniture and office equipment to staff for effective discharge of their duties. And very importantly, I made a promise to also train the staff and management to further enhance their capacity for effective service delivery. I am glad to inform you today that the trainings for staff and management of the House have been done and dusted within the last two weeks. Furthermore, furniture and office equipment are being supplied to staff offices. Meanwhile, the maintenance and renovation of the Assembly Complex is ongoing. I want to reiterate that I am a promise keeper. Consistency and reliability will be one of the pillars of my administration. “I TALK AND I DO.”Once again, I welcome you to plenary and thank you for your kind attention. God bless you”.
Meantime, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Tuesday forwarded four bills to the Delta State House of Assembly for processing and possible passage into law.
They include a Bill to Amend the Delta State High Court Law 2021, a Bill to Repeal the State School of Marine Technology Burutu and enact Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu, a Bill for law to provide for Creative Industry Development Fund and a Bill to Repeal Delta State School of Technologya law 2022 and enact College of Health Sciences and Technology law 2023.
Also at plenary, the Delta State Sickle Cell Disorder Bill 2023 was read the second time after an extensive debates on its merits as led by the Majority Leader, Ferguson Onwo.
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — Former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Godknows Boladei Igali, has commended the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State, describing it as a significant step in advancing development efforts in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Friday, Igali said the President’s presence in the state for the commissioning of major projects underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructural growth in the region. He characterized the visit as timely and impactful, noting that it reflects a broader commitment to addressing development needs in oil-producing communities.
The former envoy also praised the administration of Governor Douye Diri for delivering key projects designed to enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities across the state. According to him, the ongoing infrastructure initiatives represent meaningful progress in Bayelsa’s development trajectory.
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Fo observed that the newly completed projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost commercial activities, and open up employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the state.
Igali further urged residents to accord the President a warm reception, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective support for policies that drive national development.
President Tinubu’s visit includes the inauguration of several strategic projects executed by the state government, a move widely viewed by stakeholders as strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational authorities in fostering sustainable growth.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has reaffirmed that its rescheduled national elections will hold on April 13, 2026, declaring its Electoral Committee (ELECO) fully prepared and cautioning against any directive capable of undermining the process.
The resolution followed an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on April 9 at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, convened to assess the level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
INC NEC Affirms ELECO Readiness
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC unanimously endorsed the report presented by ELECO, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness and affirming that the elections would proceed as scheduled.
The council stated that members “endorsed the report of the ELECO… that the rescheduled INC National elections should hold on the 13th of April 2026 as planned.”
It further noted that concerns raised at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Bayelsa State Government in March had been adequately addressed.
Affirmation of Electoral Independence
The NEC stressed the need to preserve the independence of the electoral body, directing that ELECO be allowed to carry out its responsibilities without interference.
According to the communiqué, ELECO is to “carry out its assignment without interference from other organs of Congress, except to receive logistics support from the NEC.”
The council also expressed confidence in the committee’s readiness, particularly in the preparation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
Clarifies CITRE’s Role
In a move seen as addressing internal governance concerns, the NEC clarified the constitutional role of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), describing it as an advisory organ in line with Article 14(D) of the INC 2019 Constitution.
It noted that CITRE’s functions in election matters are limited to clearing nominees and managing disputes arising from the electoral process, similar to the role of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
The NEC, however, reiterated its openness to constructive input from CITRE, BOT and other organs, provided such advice aligns with the overall interest of the Congress.
INC Discourages Misinformation
The council issued a strong advisory to the public and stakeholders to disregard any information or directive inconsistent with the official position of ELECO.
“The general public is therefore advised to discountenance any information or directive that runs contrary to the position of the ELECO…,” the communiqué stated.
NEC Attendance Across INC Structures
The meeting drew a wide representation of leadership across the INC structure, including NEC members, BOT officials, CITRE leaders, National Representative Committee (NRC) members, zonal executives and chapter representatives.
Among those in attendance were INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; National Secretary, Engr. Ebiowei Wodu; Acting Chairman of CITRE (East), HRH (Gen. Rt.) B.A. Fipinimama; ELECO Chairman, HRM (Justice) Dr. F. F. Tabai; and ELECO Vice Chairman, HRM Seiyifa Koroye.
Others included ELECO Secretary, Dr. Otobo Choice Jamaica; former INC President, Prof. A.W. Obianime; National Legal Adviser, Bomo Tons Fetepigi Obhe; National Organising Secretary, Onengiyeofori Fenibo; and Leader of the NRC, HRH (Dr.) Anyanate Kio.
Also present were CITRE leader, HRH Okoko Stample Esau (PhD); BOT Vice Chairman, Chief M. Tiemo; BOT Secretary, Barr. Fidelis Agbiki; National Treasurer, High Chief Philip B. Agu; National Women Leader, Alali R. Danagogo; and Vice President, Rose Obuoforibo.
Chapter and zonal representatives included Barr. Agha Toru-Ibe (Benin City Secretary), Ephraim Gogo (Benin City Chairman), Tonye Harry (Lagos Chairman), A. Elayelagha (Lagos Secretary), Daniel Ebijor Tonibor (Abuja Chairman), Tete K. Friday (Abuja Assistant Secretary), Ajele Ayokeji Johnson (Akure Chairman), John Ebiofini (Akure Secretary), and Chief Bare Etolor (Chairman, Ijaw Elders Forum).
Others were HRH Akcheseinimie Micah Frank (BOT member), Princess Ebiseni Adesola Joyce (NRC Deputy Leader), Elder Gabriel Benamiensia (NRC Clerk), Karibo Lawrence (Eastern Zone Vice Chairman), God’swill Seke (Central Zone Secretary), Mrs. Peremo Isenali Opiali (National Welfare Secretary), and King Koma A. Eteko (CITRE Deputy Chairman).
The NEC’s resolution is widely interpreted as a strategic effort to consolidate authority within the INC and prevent internal divisions ahead of the elections.
By reaffirming ELECO’s independence and clarifying institutional roles, the leadership appears focused on ensuring a credible, transparent and conflict-free electoral process.
With the April 13 date now firmly set, attention will shift to the conduct of the elections and the ability of the Congress to sustain unity in the post-election period.