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• Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, DTHA new Speaker
• Party reinstates Owhefere as Majority Leader

The initial air of freshness and amity that pervaded the resumption at plenary of members of the Delta State House of Assembly this morning was fouled moments later when the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori announced the receipt of a letter from the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) asking the suspended Hon. Tim Owhefere, is the party’s nominee for the office of majority leader.

The letter which momentarily came as a surprise to observers of the plenary proceedings at the gallery, appeared however, not to be much of a surprise to the lawmakers who took the matter in strides, and  with equanimity.

Earlier, shortly after Oborevwori, began handling proceedings with measured engagement, being his first engagement as Speaker since the impeachment of his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya in an unusual wee hour plenary sitting on Thursday, May 11^th, 2017, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, raised a matter of urgent public importance, and moved a motion that the suspension of the Igbuya and the majority leader, Tim Owhefere be lifted.

When the vote put, the eyes had it, thus paving the way for Rt. Hon. Igbuya and Hon. Owhefere to resume as law makers at the next plenary with their colleagues.

Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in his remarks in his first assignment as the new Speaker of the House declared at plenary, saying:

“My distinguished colleagues, we give God praise. Today marks the return to legislative business after the events of the past weeks that resulted in my emergence as the new Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

“Distinguished colleagues, I want to specially appreciate you for the confidence reposed in me at atime when we, as an arm of government feel that a new leadership is needed to move the business of this vibrant House to greater heights.

“We must at this stage, dear colleagues, not lose sight of the fact that we were elected to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the State, pursuant to Section 4(7) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“I pledge to maintain an open door policy and provide quality leadership in the legislature that will help to move the State forward.

“Honourable colleagues, permit me also to use this auspicious moment to thank the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for his unflinching support to this great House. I believe that the relationship between the legislature and the Executive will witness renewed vigour.

“Let me also yhank the leadership and stakeholders of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party, for its support whenever the need arises. We will continue to rely and build on our regular consultations with the party while engaging in our legislative business.

“I must not fail to appreciate the role of our traditional rulers, who have always offered their royal blessings, support and words of wisdom, as well as our constituents for their goodwill and confidence, especially during the past weeks.

“As we do our best to serve our constituents, which is a task, we should not lose sight of the saying that ‘WE is more powerful than ME.” It is my belief that if we bnd together, we can move Delta State to greater heights.

“God bless Delta State House of Assembly, God bless Delta State.”