By Nkem Nwaeke
In what many people, particularly key stakeholders in Nigeria project have described as an extraordinary demonstration of political maturity, the Delta State House of Assembly, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, staged a historic convergence of its past and present members in a special session that brought former lawmakers back to the fold for the first time in the nation’s democratic history.
The event, conceived and convened by the young, dynamic, and vibrant Speaker of the 8th Delta State Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, was not merely ceremonial, but an intentional bridge-building initiative aimed at strengthening legislative continuity, institutional memory, and political harmony.
Held in Asaba, the State Capital, the atmosphere was charged with nostalgia, camaraderie, and a palpable sense of institutional pride. Former Speakers, except one, Principal Officers, and members across different state constituencies and political eras took their seats once again, not as rivals, but as partners in shaping the future of the Assembly, even as a minute silence was observed for the fallen colleagues.
The gathering brought together decades of legislative experience into one hall, which by all senses of it was regarded as “ Hallowed Chamber”, creating an uncommon space for mentoring, reflection and cross generational dialogue.
Speaker Guwor, in his keynote remarks, set the tone of the meeting with the theme “LEADERSHIP DYNAMICS IN THE DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW”, as he reminded the gathering that the legislature, unlike political tenures, is a continuum, shaped by those who have served and strengthened by those who currently bear the mantle.
The focused and forward-minded Speaker described the session as “a bridge between the past and the present, and a foundation for the future”, emphasising that governance becomes richer when wisdom and experience are intentionally shared. He explained that the session was significant because every Assembly, from the first Assembly of 1992 to the seventh Assembly that preceded the 8th Assembly, has contributed immensely to shaping the democratic journey of Delta State, stressing that each era came with its peculiar challenges and triumphs.
Anchored on two sub thematic pillars, “Building Harmony and Consensus in the Face of Diverse, Complex and Competing Interests in the Legislature for Inclusive Governance” and “Managing the Banana Peels and Booby Traps in the Legislature: Our Experience and Leasons”, the session confronted the realities of legislative life and the need to remained committed to the ideals of democracy, representation, and service to the people.
The lawmakers spoke candidly about the pressures, pitfalls, and behind-the-scenes dynamics that shape the institution. The reflections of the former Lawmakers offered current members of the House not only historical insight but strategies for navigating today’s political complexities with integrity and tact. Perhaps the most striking outcome of the session was its reaffirmation of institutional unity. Differences in political affiliation, generational gaps, and divergent experiences seemed to dissolve as speaker after speaker echoed a shared commitment that the Legislature must remain a stable, cohesive, and forward-looking institution, regardless of political cycles.
The Rt Hon Guwor’s leadership style, which can best be explained as open, inclusive, and consensus-driven, drew praise from both former and serving lawmakers. They said by convening the session, Guwor who is the National Treasurer of Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, signaled an understanding that leadership is not merely about presiding over proceedings, but about cultivating an environment that values history, respects experience, and embraces collaboration. Many see the initiative as fully aligned with the M.O.R.E. agenda of the state government, particularly its emphasis on partnerships, good governance, and sustainable development.
Former Speakers Victor Ochei, Frank Enekorogha, Emmanuel Okoro and Basil Ganagana, two former Deputy Speakers, Ovie Agas and Funkekeme Solomon, a former Deputy Majority Leader, Johnson Erijo, a former Deputy Chief Whip, Solomon Ighrakpata, a former Majority Whip, Reuben Izeze, and others, including Orezi Esievo, Anthony Elekeokwuri, and Onyemaechi Ada Anioma, commended the initiative, saying that such gathering of former and current legislators will only promote peace, progress, and prosperity in Delta state.
For a legislature often described as the engine room of democracy, the special session served as a reminder of what the institution can represent at its best. The Chairman of the Planning Committee and Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, who reminded the lawmakers that the gathering was first of its kind in Nigeria, captured its essence as a collection of individuals bound by shared purpose, guided by institutional memory, and committed to advancing the well-being of the people of Delta State. Akpowowo commended the initiative and thanked participants for embracing the novel idea, noting that the camaraderie, collective spirit and experiences gained during the special session would remain evergreen.
But before the gavel fell to close proceedings of the extraordinary session, a member of the 1st Delta Assembly and three term member of the National Assembly that represented Ethiope federal constituency, Rt Hon Halims Agoda, took to the floor and coming under matters of public interest, raised a motion that led to unanimous adoption of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for another term in office, affirming the duo as their sole candidates for 2027 Presidential and Governorship elections respectively. The motion was seconded by a member of the 2nd Assembly who represented Aniocha North and served as Majority Leader, Hon Kris Njokwuemeni and adopted.
Ruling on the motion, Rt Hon Guwor explained that both former and serving members of the Delta State Assembly have implicit confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who presided over the House between 2017 to 2023, for their strides in promoting democratic values, good governance and development. The message resonated beyond the walls of the hall, highlighting the fact that progress is possible when the past is not discarded but consulted, respected, and woven into the fabric of present action. Delta State’s lawmakers both past and present, walked away from the hall with renewed conviction that the legislature’s strength lies in its unity, its history, and its commitment to peace, security and governance that serves all Deltans.
– Nwaeke is the Chief Press Secretary, CPS to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly.
