Prominent Urhobo leaders on Sunday spoke about the need for new leadership in the Delta State House of Assembly, describing the current Speaker, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, as a polarizing figure, a lame duck and weak communicator.
“Let us do what is good for the collective interests of the Urhobo Nation.”
At the presentation of Urhobo position on the Speakership in Sapele, the leaders praised Chief James Ibori, Chief Ighoyota Amori, Chief Kingsley Esiso and other People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Delta Central for contributing greatly towards the party’s electoral fortune in the just concluded elections.
“We believe that it ought to be possible for the next Speaker to come from Ethiope Federal Constituency” the intelligent and sophisticated leaders of Delta Central said.
Gathering under the auspices of Urhobo National Forum (UNF), the leaders urged the members of the assembly to vote against the current presiding officer of the House in June.
“The current presiding officer of the House cannot aspire to be speaker for another term and neither will any Sapele, Okpe and Uvwie man aspire for the seat immediately after Oborevwori. It will be the turn of the good people of Ethiope Federal Constituency” the leaders stated.
Chairman of UNF, Chief Matthew Odiete said the meeting unanimously approved the member representing Ethiope West as the next Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
“We want someone that can navigate the House rules governing votes and floor debates and create a policy and political strategy for the ruling party. We want someone that can reposition the Delta State House of Assembly as a credible arm of government.”
The leaders also made case for a female speaker.
“The Ethiope West representative has the right resume and what Oborevwori critics are looking for. She will restore public confidence in the Delta State House of Assembly.”
They described the member representing Ethiope West as a legislative tactician.
“The Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation has the political skills, policy grasp and work ethic to manage the Delta State House of Assembly. She knows how money gets appropriated and to to get things done.”
They spoke highly of her competency and the need for her to take the gavel.
“The Ethiope West representative has not only become a pride for us in Urhobo land but a model for the entire black race and a leader whom the people are watching out for as the Governor of Delta State in the future.”
The leaders argued that if the likes of the current Speaker were the only qualified people to lead the Delta State House of Assembly, then Delta State should not nurse any hope of moving from its present stage of development.”
“How do we improve the living conditions of our people through legislation? How do we ensure that the infrastructure that will enable the people have gainful employment is provided? How do we ensure that proper health care is provided for our people? How do we ensure that our children go to school? How do we ensure that they have roofs over their heads? How do we ensure that there is food on the table for the average Deltan? The member representing Ethiope West knows the needs of the members and the state.”
The leaders said they had designed strategies for the Ethiope West lawmaker to become speaker in June.
“The Ethiope West representative will stay faithful to the call and responsibilities. We expect robust relationship with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. She will never violate due process “the leaders added.