By Nkem Nwaeke
Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor was elected the Speaker of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, marking a new chapter of legislative leadership in the oil-rich state.
In his acceptance speech, Guwor vowed to lead with humility, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, expressing profound gratitude to God and his colleagues and pledged to uphold the core values of the legislature and meet the expectations of Delta’s citizens.
Paying homage to his predecessor in office, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, now the Governor, acknowledged the foundation laid by previous Assemblies, especially during Oborevwori’s impactful six-year tenure as Speaker. He promised to sustain and surpass the high standards of legislative oversight, lawmaking, and collaboration with the Executive. According to him, “the legislature is the repository of the people’s democratic hopes”, and affirmed that his leadership shall act with honor, independence, and purpose.
It is therefore perfectly acceptable to note that from the outset, the then 44-year-old Speaker Guwor underscored the 8th Assembly’s alignment with the Governor’s agenda for ‘Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security, MORE, and advocated close cooperation between legislative and executive arms. He promised a transparent and open House, welcoming constructive criticism, encouraging robust debate among members, and fostering strong ties with civil society, the media, and the public.
Additionally, he outlined plans for continuous capacity building of honourable members, their aides, as well as management and staff of the Assembly while promoting industrial harmony within the State Legislature.
Born into the respected families of Captain Robinson Niki Guwor and Oludewa Niki Guwor of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Rt Hon Guwor’s leadership journey is deeply rooted in his community upbringing in the creeks of Oporoza and Okerenkoko. His early education at Fiyewei Primary School and Essi College, Warri, was followed by further studies at Gbaraun Grammar School and Delta State University, Abraka, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. It was at the university that his leadership potential blossomed through roles in Student Unionism, advocating for youth education and representation.
Guwor’s public service commenced at the grassroots, serving as Secretary of the Egwa Youth Development Association, where he mobilized youth towards education and civic engagement. His pioneering efforts as founding Secretary of the Gbaramatu Youth Council in 2005 helped craft structures for youth empowerment, peace-building, and environmental sustainability, foundations that still underpin youth activism in the Niger Delta region today.
After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Jigawa State, Guwor returned to his community and, at 30 years old, became the youngest Chairman of Egwa community in 2009. Over a decade, he refocused and transformed his oil-rich community, championing educational investments, scholarships, and vital infrastructure projects, turning Egwa into a model of local development and earning respect across Delta State.
His growing influence saw him appointed Executive Assistant to Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro in 2015, where he served with distinction before resigning in 2018 to pursue elective office. His “Deliver the Future” campaign, laid emphasis on education and entrepreneurship, accelerated infrastructural reforms, galvanized youth and women participation, and resonated deeply with his constituency.
In a tightly contested party primary in October 2018, Emomotimi secured the nomination by a slim margin and went on to win the 2019 general election with a commanding 131,469 votes, becoming the first Ijaw man in Warri federal constituency (Warri South, Warri North and Warri South West), elected to the Delta State House of Assembly. His first term was marked by notable legislative achievements, including chairing the Assembly Committee on DESOPADEC, where he promoted a bottom-up development approach to infrastructure that genuinely met community needs.
As Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Guwor led the ICT Youth Empowerment Program, training over 600 youths in digital skills and advancing technological literacy in the state. He also contributed so much to the House Committees on Works, Peace and Security, and Capital Territory Development Agency.
His legislative portfolio is rich with several sponsored and co-sponsored impactful bills and motions, including the Delta State Environmental Conservation Bill. His motion brought under matters of urgent public importance, triggered federal intervention after the mass death of fishes in the river in 2020. Others range from public procurement reforms to livestock breeding regulation and his passionate advocacy for corporate social responsibility and anti-discrimination laws. Beyond legislation, Guwor’s footprint is seen in hundreds of projects spread across communities in his constituency, including school renovations, rural electrification, and economic empowerment schemes.
On December 4, 2024, Speaker Guwor presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill, along with five other critical bills, to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for assent. The N979.2 billion budget prioritizes sectors such as Agriculture, Health, Water Resources, Education, and Roads, reflecting a shared vision for sustainable development. The bill renaming Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, to Southern Delta University, intended to broaden academic offerings, amongst others.
Rt Hon Guwor’s leadership style emphasizes intellectual development and capacity building, exemplified by severally and successfully organized retreats, workshops and training programmes for members, political aides, and management and staff of the Assembly. Only recently, there was a two-day top management retreat that focused on parliamentary administration and effective service delivery to further professionalise the Assembly’s bureaucracy.
He had earlier convened workshops for legislative aides and Committee Clerks, underscoring their essential roles as the backbone of legislative productivity. His investment in human capital has yielded tangible results, demonstrated by the passage and assent of several transformative laws that enhance governance and protect vulnerable populations in society.
At several fora, the Speaker earned a Vote of Confidence from legislative aides as well as staff of the state legislature for his leadership and disposition to their welfare.
The political landscape under Rt Hon Guwor’s speakership has not been without shifts. In a bold move reflecting strategic realignment, he led all 22 lawmakers elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the Delta State House of Assembly, and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He described the movement as a deliberate effort to foster unity and align state governance with the federal government’s policies, thereby optimizing opportunities for federal support and collaboration.
In the last two years, Guwor, who is the National Treasurer of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, has remained a staunch supporter of Oborevwori’s administration, aligning with the Governor’s grassroots conflict resolution and inclusive leadership that have ensured peace and stability in the state.
28th May 2025, during the State of the State address by the Governor at the Hallowed Chamber of the State Assembly, provided another opportunity for the Speaker to reaffirm his commitment to the progress of the state.
His statement at that historic State of the State address reads, “It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of honour that I welcome you all to this special plenary of the Delta State House of Assembly. Today marks another significant milestone in the democratic journey of our beloved State. Our dear Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, who is a core Democrat, is before us this morning to give an account of his stewardship as Governor of Delta State. This is the hallmark of transparency and accountability in public service.
“What we are witnessing today, is a confluence of interplay of the twin pillars of core political institutions of democracy, that is, the Legislature and the Executive arms of government. Your Excellency, your presence in this hallowed chamber is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the rule of law and mutual respect that exists between the Executive and the House. This synergy has been the bedrock of the remarkable progress and sustainable development we have witnessed across all sectors of our economy and society”.
Continuing, Guwor stated, “Honourable colleagues, this moment presents us with a unique opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and to gain profound insights into the strategic direction of our dear State. The State of the State Address is not merely a formality; it is a critical instrument for charting our collective future, evaluating our past achievements, and identifying the areas that require more concerted efforts for the benefit of all Deltans.
“Your Excellency, we, the Honourable Members of the Delta State House of Assembly, assure you of our continued support and collaboration. Our commitment to enacting progressive laws, performing diligent oversight functions, and ensuring effective representation remains sacrosanct. It is our expectation that your address will further galvanize our efforts towards building a more prosperous, secure, and equitable Delta State for generations yet unborn”, the Speaker stressed.
From the foregoing and as he leads the 8th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor embodies a new generation of Nigerian leaders, the one who bridges the gap between the young and old, the creeks and the corridors of power with humility, vision, and dedication. His journey from youth activist to legislative leadership exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots engagement and consistent service.
Under Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor’s stewardship, the State Legislature stands poised to enact laws and policies that deliver security, prosperity, and sustainable development for all Deltans. With a clear legislative agenda, strong institutional partnerships, and a focus on capacity building, the 8th Delta State House of Assembly reflects a robust commitment to good governance, transparency, and the betterment of the Niger Delta region and the nation at large.
– Nwaeke is the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the Rt Hon Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly.
