Guwor Hosts Past, Present Lawmakers, Champions Unity in Legislature

BY JOHNSON PLEASANT 

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has emphasized the importance of unity, mentorship, and institutional continuity in legislative governance as he hosted non-sitting members of the Assembly in a special interactive session.

The event, held at Vinmilan Hotel, Asaba, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., brought together former presiding officers and members of previous Assemblies. It served as both a reunion and a reflective forum on the progress of legislative governance in Delta State since its inception in 1992.

In his keynote address, Rt. Hon. Guwor described the gathering as “a bridge between the past and the present, and a foundation for the future,” acknowledging the contributions of past lawmakers to the growth of democracy in the state.

“Today, we are not just holding an event; we are connecting the past with the present, and laying stronger foundations for the future of legislative governance in our dear State,” Guwor stated.

The Speaker also lauded the State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, a two-term Speaker and now Governor, describing him as “a symbol of legislative continuity and leadership maturity.”

Members of the panel

The forum featured two major themes“Building harmonious 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.”

Members of the panel

Speaking on the first theme, Guwor highlighted the need for dialogue, respect, and tolerance among lawmakers, noting that consensus building remains the hallmark of democratic maturity.

“Our duty as legislators is not to see differences as divisions but as strengths that enrich our deliberations,” he said. “Consensus building is not a sign of weakness; it is the highest form of democratic maturity.”

Addressing the second theme, the Speaker acknowledged the realities and challenges of legislative life, including political intrigues and external pressures urging lawmakers to remain guided by prudence, mentorship, and constitutional loyalty.

“By learning from the experiences of our predecessors, some of whom navigated these same banana peels, we can strengthen our institutional resilience and protect the dignity of the Assembly,” he stated.

Guwor reaffirmed the 8th Assembly’s commitment to partnership with the Executive under the M.O.R.E. Agenda, assuring that the legislature would continue to support initiatives that promote sustainable development and quality service delivery to Deltans.

He also expressed appreciation to all non-sitting members who attended the session, describing their presence as “a source of inspiration and a reminder of the enduring spirit of legislative service.”

Sitting and non-sitting members of the Assembly

“The House of Assembly is a living institution, one that grows, learns, and evolves through each Assembly. Let us deepen our unity, renew our shared purpose, and strengthen our resolve to make Delta State a model of legislative excellence and good governance,” the Speaker concluded.

The opening session concluded with votes of thanks from representatives of both sitting and non-sitting members, who expressed their appreciation to the Speaker and the organizing committee for the initiative.

A panel was also convened afterward to deliberate on key themes and strategies for strengthening legislative harmony and institutional growth in Delta State.