The Speaker of the Delta State House
of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya weekend praisedGovernor Ifeanyi Okowa
for his leadership qualities and his efforts at expanding economic
opportunities for Deltans.
He also gave the governor a
pat on his back for putting in place cost saving measures and injecting
honesty, efficiency and competence into the art of governance.
Igbuya told newsmen in Asaba
that the executive, legislature and judiciary in the state would continue
to strengthen the tenets of good governance.
“My primary agenda in the Delta
State House of Assembly is to ensure that laws are made by the House for the
peace, security and good governance of the state. Laws that would be result
oriented and have positive impact on the lives of Deltans” he said.
Igbuya who pledged to
contribute towards a modernized Delta said the executive. Judiciary and
legislature must work together.
“The existence, functions and
duties of the three organs of Government are constitutional. There are checks
and balances and separation of power. The judiciary interprets the law, the
legislature makes law and the executive implements the law. There will always
be synergy between the three arms of government. The lawmakers are not
subservient to the Executive arm but there is need for synergy to propel and
maintain the state on the path of prosperity. Our people didn’t vote for us to
suffocate the system or to fight the governor or to carry placard that governor
cannot do this or that. Their quest is for us to make laws that can bring
proper development to the state”.
He attributed the level of
development in the last six months to cordial relationship between the three
arms of government, the governor’s ability and strength in initiating
people-oriented policies, which he said had improved the lives of the people.
To make a quantum leap in
development, Igbuya said Governor Okowa would continue to run a people oriented
government
,
“Okowa’s vision is virtually
limitless. He will continue to run a transparent government. He will continue
to protect the interest of the people. He will continue to build the
infrastructural base of the state. He will continue to create the right
environment for businesses to flourish without bureaucratic impediments” he
said.
He noted that the expectations of
Deltans at home and abroad from the government were high but explained that the
governor is committed to doing the right things,
“Okowa is a good listener and knows
his task of governing the state. He will stick to the policy of transparency
and accountability” he promised.
He appealed to
all, irrespective of sex, religion, ethnic origin, political affiliation or
social status to join hands in the work ahead to make Delta peaceful and
prosperous.
“Let us work with the governor to
improve the lots of the people of the state” he appealed.
The Delta Speaker also paid tribute
to Delta women who he said had consistently played key roles in the state’s
development.
Women, he said, had key roles to
play in the development of any country and must be encouraged by the state.
“To say I am not women friendly is
not correct. I am gender friendly. My comment was very clear. I directed it to
somebody. That person cannot point to a ring well he constructed in Sapele. He
has nothing to show to the good people of Sapele. I was very specific. I was
not talking to women. I didn’t abuse women. My statement was not directed to
women organizations. I believe in gender equality and support the courage of
the Nigerian woman and will continue to maintain my support for gender
equality. We must maintain the momentum gained so far on issues concerning
women and gender equality. We need to recognize the centrality of gender
equality. The House is working towards putting an end to gender inequality”.
Assessing his performance as Speaker of the House, Igbuya described his administration as wonderful and outstanding.
Igbuya in a joyous mood throughout
the interactive session described the allegation of N750m for training
abroad as false.
Igbuya who took time to correct the
dangerous insinuations contained in the story, appealed to those spreading lies
at home and abroad to join hands with Governor Okowa in the onerous task of
moving the state forward.
“These are the
handiwork of our political enemies who are bent on tarnishing the good image of
the House. No
such amount was given to this Honourable House for training”
He advised Deltans at
home and abroad not to fall victim to the evil antics of these characters.
He also advised members to respect
the Constitution and House Rules.
“When members were sworn in, they
swore to an oath to abide by the Constitution and the Rules of the House. The
two members were suspended according to the mover of the motion for bringing
the House to disrepute. It was purely a House matter”.
Speaking glowingly on his
achievements and his capacity to undergo painful but often necessary reforms,
Igbuya described the future of the House under his leadership as bright.
“Deltans will continue to experience
robust legislation on matters that promote their general well-being”
Igbuya who also recalled his
challenges during the 2015 general election, commended the people of his
constituency for making it possible for him to be a member of the House and his
colleagues who made it possible for him to be Speaker of the Delta State House
of Assembly.
“My victory was not made by man but
by God. Remember the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) sanctioned me for supporting
equity and the doctrine of rotation of power in the 2015 governorship
election. The Union urged Urhobo sons and daughters not to vote for me. I
believe in true rotation. The present governor emerged as the party’s flag
bearer in a transparent primary. I did not speak on behalf of UPU; rather, I
spoke on behalf of a pressure group in the PDP. I am vice chairman of UPF. I
also spoke as a member of the PDP. I am committed to the position of my party
on rotation. I stood for power shift. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa won the governorship election
and in the spirit of rotation, I emerged as speaker. The position was zoned to
Delta Central. In Delta Central today, I am one of the high ranking members in
the House. God made it possible”
He identified dedication to
constituted authorities, faithfulness and truthfulness as key factors in his
political life.
“A lot of people believe that
politicians are liars. You must be loyal to the system and the authorities.
Truthfulness and Godliness are also vital”
“My greatest influence in politics
is God. God directs me on what to do. We should not put our trust on man. My
greatest influence is no other person than God” he added.
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