Delta State Assembly Welcomes Alapala and Achoja After Rerun Election Victory
ASABA/Nigeria: In a significant turn of events at the Delta State House of Assembly, the winners of the rerun election for Burutu 1 and Ethiope West Constituencies, Ebitomo Anthony Alapala and Blessing Achoja, officially assumed their roles as members of the State’s 8th Assembly on Wednesday.
The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, welcomed both lawmakers whose victories were initially nullified by the Appeal Court late last year.
Conducted by the National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on February 3rd, the rerun election saw Alapala and Achoja regain their seats under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), bolstering the party’s representation in the Assembly to 7 members. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) maintained its majority position with 22 members.
Following constitutional protocols and House rules, the newly reelected representatives dutifully subscribed to the oaths of allegiance and membership of the House administered by Speaker Emomotimi Guwor. Congratulating them on their electoral triumph, Speaker Guwor acknowledged the diligence and perseverance exhibited by the lawmakers in securing their return to the esteemed Chamber.
Assuring continued legislative excellence under his leadership, Guwor emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to enacting robust laws aimed at furthering the welfare of Deltans.
During the plenary session, Governor Sheriff Oberevwori submitted a correspondence to the House regarding a proposed bill to amend the Delta State Polytechnic Burutu Law to the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic Burutu Law 2024. Governor Oberevwori elucidated on the necessity of amending the law to reflect the institution’s focus on maritime education, facilitating its access to vital funds earmarked for public tertiary institutions.
Meanwhile, members observed a minute of silence to honor the passing of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien. Initiated by Hon Bridget Anyafulu, the gesture paid homage to the late monarch’s enduring legacy of peace and development in his domain. Speaker Guwor, echoing sentiments of condolence, praised the Asagba for his exemplary leadership and acknowledged the State Government’s tribute of naming the newly constructed state secretariat after him.
Speaker Guwor offered prayers for the eternal repose of the Asaba Monarch, underscoring his indelible mark on Delta State’s history and governance.
