By Nkem Nwaeke
In a significant display of solidarity and trust, over 200 legislative aides of the 29 members of the Delta State House of Assembly Thursday passed implicit Votes of Confidence in the Presiding Officer and Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
The Confidence Vote, in the motion moved by the Private Secretary to the Member Representing Burutu 2 Constituency, Anthony Gbafade, seconded by the Legal Assistance to the member representing Ika North East, Barr Hannah Enyawuile, was also extended to the Speaker’s team of the leadership of the 8th Assembly.
This endorsement came during a 3-day workshop organized in honour of the legislative aides, with the theme, “The Role of Legislative Aides In Enhancing Members’ Productivity In State Legislature”, aimed at enhancing their skills and performance.
The Workshop, which was a brainchild of the Speaker with a full complement of the Principal Officers, demonstrated his commitment to capacity building and effective governance.
By investing in the development of the legislative aides, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor has again reiterated the Delta State House of Assembly’s poise to maintain its trailblazing status in legislative practice and procedures, among state legislatures across the country.
The implicit votes of confidence passed by the legislative aides, therefore, is a testament to the strong leadership and vision of the Speaker, who, by divine grace and benevolence of his colleagues, the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.
His efforts to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment have clearly resonated with the political aides, which are essential to the smooth operation of the legislative process.
As the Delta State House of Assembly continues to drive development in the state, the endorsement by the legislative aides is a welcome boost.
With their skills enhanced and morale lifted, the aides are now better equipped to support their Principals in delivering effective representation and legislation for peace and good governance to the benefit of the people of Delta State.
This positive development is a reflection of the Delta State House of Assembly’s commitment to excellence and enhanced legislative performance.
As key stakeholders in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE development programme, the Delta Lawmakers and their legislative aides will continue to play vital roles in shaping the future of Delta State.
The Vote of Confidence on the Speaker and House leadership is a clear indication that the legislative aides are united and focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for the state.
Before the Vote of Confidence, the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, had challenged the Legislative Aides to ensure optimal support services to their Principals as they strive to achieve the desired results.
Guwor, while addressing the Aides before declaring open the three-day workshop, enjoined them to take advantage of the Capacity Building Programme to improve on their respective legislative priorities.
He listed the work schedules for the Aides to include, legislative/legal research, drafting of bills and motions, writing of speeches, arranging constituency meetings, liaising with constituents on behalf of Members, preparing debates for Members, and coordinating Members’ programmes, among others
Accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo; Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi; Deputy Majority Whip, Emeka Osamuta and Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Mr Sunday Ebireri, the Speaker also enjoined participants to give all the seriousness that the Workshop deserves.
He said, “This Workshop is so dear to my heart because it is the first time Legislative Aides to Honourable Members of the House are formally coming together to undergo tutelage in legislative practice and procedures.
“Granted, some of you may have one or two experiences in legislative practice, however, society is dynamic, and knowledge in a particular field is always evolving; better approaches and ways of doing things are constantly evolving”.
“For the sake of emphasis, I would like to reiterate that legislative aides are cornerstones meant to provide support services to Members”, Guwor stated.
The Speaker, in a special way, commended the Clerk of the House, Otto Aghoghophia, and the Executive Director of the African Parliamentary Resource Center, Dr John Mutu, for putting in their best to drive a well-articulated and one of the best-organized Capacity Building Workshops in recent times.
On their parts, both Aghoghophia and Mutu had also paid glowing tributes to the Speaker and the leadership of the State Assembly for organizing the workshop for the political aides, even as they expressed optimism that the exercise would go a long way in helping the political appointees in discharging their assignment creditably.
“This workshop will no doubt serve as an enlightenment to participants who play significant role in rendering services to their bosses”, Mutu added
Reacting to the resounding Vote of Confidence on Mr Speaker and his leadership by the legislative aides, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State Assembly, Nkem Nwaeke, described the development as well deserved.
Nwaeke, in a statement, acknowledged the Vote of Confidence in his Boss and expressed gratitude to the members’ aides for their trust and support for the Speaker.
The CPS reiterated the Speaker’s commitment to delivering effective representation and legislation for the people of Delta State.
He said “The Office of the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, is delighted to receive the overwhelming Vote of Confidence from the legislative aides of the 29 members of the House. This gesture is a testament to the Speaker’s leadership and vision, which have fostered a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
“We are grateful for the trust and support reposed in the Speaker’s leadership, and we assure the people of Delta State that our Boss will continue to work tirelessly to deliver effective representation and legislation that benefits all Deltans.
“This Vote of confidence is a morale booster, and the Speaker is committed to sustaining the tempo of progress and development in Delta State.
“Mr Speaker appreciates the legislative aides for their hard work and dedication to the service of the House and the people of Delta State”, Nwaeke stated.
