State Assemblies Will Ensure Legislative Independence, Delta Speaker Assures

The new chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Dennis Guwor, as its chairman, has said the state legislature, under his watch, will strive to ensure legislative independence anchored on accountability.

Guwor, speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, stated this in his acceptance speech after he was elected chairman of the Speakers’ Conference in Abuja.

Other officers elected include the Deputy Chairman, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan (Borno State); Treasurer, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Daji (Niger State); and Financial Secretary, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olumide (Ondo State).

The Conference also elected six Vice Chairmen to represent the country’s six geopolitical zones: North West, Rt. Hon. Biliaminu Ismail (Zamfara State); North East, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Abubakar (Gombe State); North Central, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Umar (Kogi State); South East, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze (Anambra State); South South, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere (Bayelsa State); and South West, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye (Ekiti State).

Speaking shortly after taking over from the outgoing Chairman, Rt. Hon. Oladebo Ogudonyi (Oyo State), Guwor said the new leadership would continue to work towards ensuring the autonomy of legislative houses across the country.

He assured members that he would do his best to move the Conference forward and give the Speakers a stronger voice on national issues.

“I accept it with a full sense of duty, conscious of the enormous expectations attached to this office, and determined to serve with integrity, courage, fairness, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people.

“Assuredly, this Conference represents the conscience, coordination, and collaborative strength of subnational legislatures in our federation. At a time when Nigerians yearn for responsive governance, economic inclusion, social stability, and institutional credibility, our role has never been more critical.

“As Speakers, we preside over the very chambers where Bills are debated, budgets scrutinized, and the hopes of millions articulated. We are custodians of democracy at the sub-national level of our federation. Our decisions shape development. Our unity strengthens the nation.

“Today, I pledge to work with each and every one of you, across party lines, across regions, across ideologies to promote: Legislative independence anchored on accountability; Capacity building for members and staff of State Assemblies; Harmonization of progressive legislative practices; Stronger intergovernmental collaboration; and robust engagement with citizens to restore confidence in democratic institutions,” he said.

Guwor also commended the immediate past Chairman for successfully piloting the affairs of the Conference.

“Together, we can reinforce democracy, raise the standards of lawmaking and bring governance closer to the people. Together, we can build the Nigeria our citizens deserve — just, prosperous and united,” he added.