By Emma Amaize & Austen Ogwuda

THERE is presently a feeling of tranquility in the Delta State House of Assembly. However, to a discerning political observer, the serenity will only last for a period. The keen political rivalry between Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and Chief Great Ogboru of the Democratic People’s Party, DPP, will sooner rather than later, catch up with the 29-member House of Assembly.

With 18 members on its platform, PDP has a majority advantage over the other parties in the House, but lacks a decisive two-third majority. Among them are  the Speaker,  Hon Victor Ochei -Aniocha North, Joan Mrakpor (Mrs) , Danie Yingi – Bomadi, John Nani – Ethiope West, Martin Okonta – Ika South,   Sam Obi  – Ika North East , Tim Owhefere – Isoko North , Johnson Erijo – Isoko South II, Friday Osanebi – Ndokwa East, Patrick Mozea – Oshimili North ,Peter Onwusanya – Oshimili South, Basil Ganagana – Patani , Chief  Monday Igbuya – Sapele,  Irene Imilar (Mrs) – Warri North, Omawumi Udoh (Mrs) – Warri South I, Denis Omovie – Warri South II,  Daniel  Mayuku – Warri South West.

The DPP parades an eight- member squad comprising Hon Joseph Oshevire – Ethiope East,  Benjamin Okiemute – Isoko South I,   Azuka Azaka  – Ndokwa West , Julius Okpoko – Okpe,  Okoro Liege-Lord Keston – Udu,   Rufus Akpodietge Edoja – Ughelli North II,   Godfrey Ofobruku Efe – Uvwie and .    Alphonsus Ojo – Ukwuani.

The Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Hon Oboro Preyor- Bomadi and the United Democratic Party, UDP, Hon Samuel Mariere- Ughelli North I.

Robust representation this time around
The potency of the lawmakers, irrespective of the political parties, comprising the fifth session of the Delta State House of Assembly has not been tested, as the House was still sorting out matters concerning the welfare and accommodation of members as at press time. However, it cannot be taken away from it, judging from its composition, that Deltans are about to see the most robust legislature since the state’s creation.

That much Hon Efe Ofobruku, DPP member, representing Uvwie constituency, told Vanguard in an interview stating categorically that anybody that expects the DPP lawmakers to have a smooth relationship with the governor, Dr.  Uduaghan must be joking.

“I am not looking forward to a four-year period of smooth relationship because I feel that in the course of our legislative duties, we would disagree on issues and policies, but in the overall interest of the state, I know we will reach a compromise”.

No hostilities here- Ochei
The Speaker, Hon Ochei, however, said the relationship between the lawmakers, whether DPP, ACN or UDP was cordial, pointing out that the hostility people were already reading among the lawmakers  was a mere imagination of some persons.

“I want to tell you that contrary to what a lot of people are thinking, that is not the situation, the members of the House, irrespective of their parties, are highly committed Deltans, who are ready to serve the state and that in moving the state forward, it doesn’t matter who is the governor today, that they have to ensure that there cordiality, and that at the end of the day, there is peace, order and good governance in the state”.

Electrifying lawmakers
Prior to his emergence Speaker, Hon Ochei was known to be one of the most vibrant members of the House. He looks at issues very dispassionately, irrespective of the position already taken by others and is regarded by his colleagues as a man of strong conviction. Investigations by Vanguard showed that Ochei is gritty as much as he is a team player and he has a first-rate association with the governor, Dr. Uduaghan. Ochei is presently one of the power brokers in the state and is resplendently rich and is well regarded both by his colleagues and the executive.  His unanimous election by the members is an eloquent testimony to his acceptance.

Hon Daniel Mayuku, a three-time member, representing Warri South-West constituency and the chairman of the Finance/ Appropriation committee of the House is a delight to watch in the legislative chamber. He is intelligent, has the power of advocacy and is respected by his colleagues for his brilliance. He is also a stabilizing force in the House in times of commotion.

Legislators to watch
Among the lawmakers to watch in the fifth session are Hon Ofobruku and Hon Friday Osanebi, apparently the youngest member of the House, who exudes a congenial aura with his gait and dressing. Many more are likely to be discovered.

Constituency projects
The members are involved in constituency projects to the extent of initiating projects in their areas, but the projects are normally executed by the ministries in most cases. According to a source, “Each lawmaker is entitled to initiate a project that is up to N5 million but not more than N100 million to be sighted in his constituency and the money would be domiciled in the Ministry that is to execute the project”.

Assertiveness
When it had reasons to stand its grounds, the House has on some occasions done so. An example of that is in the unfolding matter concerning the constitution of transition committee for local government councils in the state. The governor requested that membership should be based on the Federal delineated structure by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the members refused, saying it should be based on the state’s ward structure.

Disagreement between executive/legislature
The governor had also disagreed with the House on some bills passed. He has so far refused to sign into law the bill passed by the House of Assembly, three years ago, stipulating death for kidnappers. Dr. Uduaghan told Vanguard he does not believe in death sentence for kidnappers, as it would not solve the problem, and based on that refused to sign the bill, but at the moment, both the executive and legislature are looking at a way of resolving the impasse by removing death penalty to either life sentence or long jail term.

Budget
The budget of the House for the current year is not readily available. A very senior officer of the House who was asked by Vanguard said, “I don’t know”. But, it is obvious that the House has some financial constraints at the moment for that is what necessitated its adjournment to sort out the needs of the lawmakers before the 5th session would, as it were,  properly commence.

House not a rubber stamp- Speaker
The Speaker, Hon Ochei vehemently refused the suggestion that the House is a rubber stamp of the executive arm of government when it was put to him.  As presently constituted, the House is self-governing, but the weight of the executive when counts whenever it matters.  However, what is palpably clear is that the 5th session of the Delta State House of Assembly is going to be much more different from the preceding sessions.