Delta speaker sounds alarm on legislative pitfalls, seeks stronger Assembly synergy

The Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, has cautioned legislators against pitfalls often referred to as “banana peels,” which he noted have historically undermined legislative cohesion and integrity.

Guwor said this while hosting non-sitting members of the House, bringing together lawmakers past and present in a spirit of unity and mentorship during a three-day engagement on Thursday in Asaba.

He said, “Every legislature, no matter how well-intentioned, faces internal and external challenges.

”But through prudence, mentorship, and adherence to due process, legislators can rise above such traps.”

Guwor reaffirmed the legislature’s role as a partner in governance.

The speaker stressed that the House must be seen not as an adversary to the Executive, but as a collaborator committed to oversight, fairness, and impactful policymaking.

“The strength of the Delta State House of Assembly lies not in its differences, but in its shared vision.

”As partners in governance, we must remain firm in oversight, fair in judgment, and focused on results that improve lives,” the speaker said.

Guwor, who also commended the gathering, noted that the event served both as a reunion and as a forum for dialogue, connecting the First Assembly of 1992 through to the current 8th Assembly.

The speaker described the occasion as “a moment of history, reflection, and renewal.”

He emphasised that every legislative era has contributed uniquely to the democratic growth of the State.

“Today, we are not just holding an event; we are connecting the past with the present and laying stronger foundations for the future of legislative governance in our dear State,” Guwor said.

The speaker paid glowing tributes to his predecessors, including former presiding officers such as Mr Emmanuel Okoro, Mr Basil Ganagana, Dr. Olisa Imegwu, and Mr. Martin Okonta.

He also paid tribute to Mr. Victor Ochei and Chief Peter Onwusanya among others.

Guwor acknowledged the absence but enduring influence of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, the current Governor of the State and a two-term former Speaker of the 6th and 7th Assemblies.

“His leadership journey reminds us that the legislature remains the true nursery of democracy and good governance,” he said.

Guwor drew a symbolic link between the Assembly and the Executive arm under the governor’s ‘MORE Agenda.’

He noted that the theme of the event, “Leadership Dynamics in the Delta House of Assembly: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” reflected the spirit of continuity and dialogue that defined the gathering.

Guwor underscored that harmony in a diverse House “does not happen by accident,” but through dialogue, tolerance, and shared purpose.

“Consensus building is not a sign of weakness. It is the highest form of democratic maturity.

”When we act in unity, we give our people confidence that their voices are heard, and that governance is indeed inclusive,” he said.

Guwor also highlighted the importance of institutional memory, saying that the exchange between sitting and non-sitting lawmakers would help preserve legislative wisdom and continuity.

The Speaker expressed profound gratitude to all former legislators who attended, saying their presence inspired the 8th Assembly to sustain the high standards set by their predecessors.

“Your presence means a lot to us and inspires us to uphold the high standards you set.

”Together, we will continue to move our State forward in peace, progress, and prosperity,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event provided an opportunity for the Speaker and his predecessors to reflect on the developmental trajectory of the Assembly, celebrate successes, identify emerging opportunities, and chart a roadmap for the future.

The event also featured panel discussions highlighting key issues geared towards effective legislation.

The event, facilitated by Mr. John Mutu, Executive Director of the African Parliamentary Resource Centre, was attended by a wide spectrum of dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, the 27 other sitting members, as well as non-sitting members of the Assembly.

Some of the lawmakers who spoke with NAN said that the reunion marked a defining moment for the State legislature.

NAN