In an event that underscores renewed hope for legislative cooperation and democratic strengthening in Nigeria, the dynamic and youthful Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor was elected Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, during an extraordinary session of the group held in one of the prestigious halls of the AFREXIMBANK African Trade Center, Central District, FCT, Abuja.
The Delta Speaker, was elected alongside nine others to pilot the affairs of the Conference for the next two years. They include, Speaker of Borno State Assembly, Rt Hon Abdulkarim Lawal, elected Deputy Chairman of the Conference; Speaker Niger State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abdulmalik Sarikin Dani, as the Treasurer of the group, and Speaker of Ondo State Assembly as the Financial Secretary.
Other officials and their positions include, Vice Chairman (North-West); Speaker, Zamfara State, Rt. Hon. Bilaminu Ismail; Vice Chairman (North-East), Speaker, Gombe State, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Abubakar; Vice Chairman (North-Central), Speaker, Kogi State, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Umar; Vice Chairman (South-East), Speaker, Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Vice Chairman (South-South), Speaker, Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere and Vice Chairman (South-West), Speaker, Ekiti State – Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye.
In his remarks before announcing the names of the newly elected exco, the immediate past Chairman of the Conference and Speaker Oyo State Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed confidence in the new leadership, saying that their election is a testament to their leadership prowess and dedication to legislative matters.
Accepting the mandate with visible humility and a clear sense of purpose, Rt. Hon. Guwor described his election as not merely a personal milestone but a collective commitment to repositioning State Legislatures as vibrant pillars of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“I stand before you deeply honoured, profoundly humbled, and sincerely grateful,” he declared, acknowledging the confidence reposed on him by his colleagues from across the 36 states of the federation.
A Collective Resolve for Democratic Renewal
Rt. Hon. Guwor emphasized that the Conference of Speakers occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s governance architecture, serving as the conscience and coordinating platform for sub-national legislatures. He noted that at a time like this when Nigerians are demanding for responsive governance, institutional credibility, and inclusive development, the role of State Assemblies have never been more critical.
The new Chairman maintained that as custodians of democracy at the sub-national levels, Speakers preside over chambers where laws are made, budgets are scrutinized, and the aspirations of millions are given voice. According to him, unity among Speakers is not optional, it is essential for national strength and stability.
An Ambitious Agenda for Legislative Excellence
The Speaker, Delta State and Chairman of Conference, outlined an upwardly-mobile agenda anchored on collaboration across party lines, regions, and ideologies. Central to his vision is legislative independence rooted in accountability, alongside sustained capacity building for lawmakers and Assembly staff.
Guwor pledged that under his leadership, the Conference would move beyond routine meetings to become a platform for action, reform, and innovation. His priorities include institutional strengthening through modern legislative procedures, digital systems, improved research capacity, and transparent governance structures.
The 46 years old Presiding Officer of Delta Assembly, also highlighted the importance of peer learning and policy exchange, ensuring that best practices in lawmaking, oversight, and constituency engagement are shared so that no State Assembly is left behind.
Strengthening Cooperative Federalism and National Unity.
Rt Hon Guwor also announced that a major thrust of his chairmanship will be constructive engagement with the Executive and Judiciary, guided by constitutionalism and mutual respect. He stressed that safeguarding legislative autonomy while strengthening cooperative federalism is key to sustainable governance.
Beyond institutional concerns, the young energetic Delta Speaker, described the Conference as a bridge of understanding in Nigeria’s diverse federation, stressing his strong belief that dialogue, cooperation, and unity remain the nation’s greatest strengths.
Gratitude, Continuity, and Commitment.
Rt. Hon. Guwor paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Chairman of the Conference, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, and his executive for laying a solid foundation on which the group will now build upon. He also expressed deep appreciation to his colleagues at the Delta State House of Assembly, and his constituents for their unwavering support.
Guwor extended special gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, whose support he described as remarkable, as well as to God Almighty, whom he acknowledged as the ultimate source of his strength.
A Pledge to Serve
In a solemn pledge, the new Chairman promised to lead with fairness and openness, consult widely, decide wisely, and always place the collective interest of Nigeria’s legislatures above personal or sectional considerations. His goal, he said, is to ensure that the Conference speaks with one strong, credible, and respected voice on national affairs.
Rt. Hon. Guwor expressed optimism that his election marks a renewed chapter in legislative cooperation, one defined by unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and service to the Nigerian people.
“Together, we can reinforce democracy, raise the standard of lawmaking, and bring governance closer to the people,” Guwor affirmed.
In my capacity as his Chief Press Secretary, I can confidently affirm that the election of my Boss as Chairman of the Speaker’s Conference marks a significant milestone in his leadership journey, having been raised from a humble beginning in an extremely remote riverine community in the Niger Delta to becoming the number one legislator in Delta State and now the number one in the comity of State Assemblies.
Nkem Nwaeke is the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State Assembly.
