Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Tuesday, interfaced with officials of the Warri Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, with a promise to facilitate stronger ties between the State Legislature and the Bar in the state.
Addressing the officials who were in his office on a courtesy visit, Rt Hon Guwor stated that the 8th Assembly under his watch would continue to synergise with critical stakeholders in the Delta Project, including the NBA for peace and good governance in the state.
Flanked by some Principal Officers and members of the House, the Speaker described the session with the NBA as a welcome development as it provided an opportunity to reconnect with a body that is key to law-making business in the state.
He said interpretation and implementation of laws enacted by the Assembly rest on the shoulders of the Bar, hence the need to remain in partnership with the NBA, which is the umbrella body of the practitioners.
Guwor noted that it is gratifying to see laws passed by the House implemented and enforced for the public good as no society can thrive without law and order.
The Speaker explained further that the compelling need to ensure that laws, motions and resolutions passed by the House were complied with, led to setting up the Assembly Committee on Legislative Compliance, which has the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Author Akpowowo as Chairman.
He charged members of the association to collaborate and work closely with the Committee to further enhance standards in their practice as lawyers.
Guwor announced that as a final year law student, he looks forward to joining the NBA soon, even as he disclosed that nine members of the 8th Assembly as well as the Acting Clerk of the House, one of the Deputy Clerks and his Legal Adviser are all members of the association.
The Speaker assured the visiting NBA officials of his support whenever the need arises.
Chairman of the NBA Warri Branch, Barr Oghenero Okoro, said the visit was to seek ways for a closer working relationship with the House in the law-making process in the state.
He stressed the need for the House to always extend invitations to the NBA during public hearings on bills as inputs of members would go a long way in ensuring a more equitable law.
Barr Okoro pointed out challenges faced by members in accessing already passed laws in the state, amongst other issues and sought for support and collaboration of the House.
He thanked the Speaker for the audience granted the body, even as he assured that members of the Warri branch of the NBA, including the Deputy Speaker who is presently with him in the State Assembly will live up to expectations.
The visit featured an exchange of gifts.