By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has elected the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Guwor, as its Chairman.

Other officers elected include Deputy Chairman, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan (Borno State); Treasurer, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Daji (Niger State); and Financial Secretary, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olumide (Ondo State).

The Conference also elected six Vice Chairmen to represent the country’s six geopolitical zones: North West, Rt. Hon. Biliaminu Ismail (Zamfara State); North East, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Abubakar (Gombe State); North Central, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Umar (Kogi State); South East, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze (Anambra State); South South, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere (Bayelsa State); and South West, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye (Ekiti State).

Speaking shortly after taking over from the outgoing Chairman, Rt. Hon. Oladebo Ogudonyi (Oyo State), Guwor said the new leadership would continue to work towards ensuring the autonomy of legislative houses across the country.

He assured members of his commitment to advancing the objectives of the Conference and giving Speakers a stronger collective voice on national issues.

“I accept this responsibility with a full sense of duty, conscious of the enormous expectations attached to this office, and determined to serve with integrity, courage, fairness, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people,” he said.

Guwor noted that the Conference represents the conscience, coordination, and collaborative strength of sub-national legislatures in the federation, stressing that its role has become more critical at a time when Nigerians demand responsive governance, economic inclusion, social stability, and institutional credibility.

“As Speakers, we preside over the chambers where Bills are debated, budgets scrutinised, and the hopes of millions articulated. We are custodians of democracy at the sub-national level. Our decisions shape development, and our unity strengthens the nation,” he said.

He pledged to work across party lines, regions, and ideologies to promote legislative independence anchored on accountability, capacity building for lawmakers and legislative staff, harmonisation of progressive legislative practices, stronger intergovernmental collaboration, and robust citizen engagement to restore public confidence in democratic institutions.

Guwor also commended the immediate past Chairman for his leadership and contributions to the growth of the Conference.

“Together, we can reinforce democracy, raise the standards of lawmaking, and bring governance closer to the people. Together, we can build the Nigeria our citizens deserve — just, prosperous, and united,” he added.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and members of the Delta State House of Assembly for their support.