*** Delta State Administrative Procedure Bill Passes Second Reading
Delta State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of four nominees whose names were forwarded to it last week by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as Commissioners and Members of the State Executive Council.
The nominees, now Commissioner designates, including Hon Samuel Mariere, Chief Sunday Onoriode, Chief Mike Okah and Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, appeared for screening during Tuesday’s plenary of the House, presided by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.
The motion for the screening of the nominees as well as subsequent confirmation, were moved by the Majority Leader, Hon Ferguson Onwo, seconded by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Oboro Preyor and adopted.
Ruling under Special Privileges usually granted to non sitting members of the House, the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori directed Hon Samuel Mariere to take a bow in recognition of his outstanding performance as a two term member of the State Assembly.
While urging Hon Mariere who represented Ughelli North One Constituency between 2011 to 2019 to remain a good ambassador of the Legislature, the Speaker also granted Chief Sunday Onoriode the special privilege, having served the party meritoriously as State PDP Organizing Secretary.
The other two nominees, Chief Mike Okah and Chief Godspower Asiuwhu also enjoyed the privilege as directed by the Speaker.
Also screened and confirmed was Dr Samuel Ochonogor Ossai for appointment into the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC) and another, Mr Kelly Oghenekevwe Emuoghenerue for appointment into the board of Delta State Internal Revenue Service.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had in the letter forwarding the names for the nominees, said appointments were in exercise of the relevant sessions of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria and the respective laws of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission and the Delta State Revenue Service.
Also at plenary, the House took the second reading of the Delta State Administrative Procedures Bill with the Majority Leader, Hon Ferguson Onwo leading debates on the merits of the bill.
The Majority Leader described the bill as apt and harmless as it would promote transparency, good governance and advance the fortunes of the state.
Hon Onwo who commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for forwarding the bill which seeks to open up administrative procedures in the state, emphasized that the proposed law will deepen democratic process in the state.
Also speaking in favour of the bill, Hon Reuben Izeze, Ughelli South, said governance is being brought to the door steps of the people, saying that secrecy in governance is being taken out from the system.
Hon Izeze who also commended the governor for his foresight in sending the bill to the House, said modern democracy was being introduced in Delta state.
The Chief Whip, Hon Pat Ajudua in her contribution stated that the proposed law will promote transparency, accountability, efficiency, order and rule of law in the state.
For his part, the Deputy Chief Whip and Member Representing Uvwie Constituency, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata posited that the bill is to address certain hiccups in the smooth running of government ministries, agencies and departments, MDAs which are key organs of government.
Deputy Majority Leader and Member Representing Bomadi Constituency, Hon Oboro Preyor in his contribution, said the bill seeks to improve transparency and fairness in the administration of Justice in the state.
Also speaking, the Member Representing Ndokwa West, Hon Charles Emetulu said that the proposed law is aimed at giving powers to the people, saying that its implementation would further advance the state ahead of others in the country.
The bill was referred to the House joint Committee on Rules and Business and Special Bills by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff and directed it to submit the report in two weeks time.
