Delta House elects new speaker

By OLALEKAN BADMOS

The Delta State House of Assembly on Wednesday unanimously elected Peter Onwusanya, the former deputy chief whip, as its new speaker.

Onwusanya, a member representing Oshimili North Constituency in the state, is a first timer in the legislative arm.

His appointment followed the formal resignation of the former Speaker, Victor Ochei.

Ochei’s letter was read to the house by the Deputy Speaker, Basil Ganagana, at its plenary on Wednesday, though the former speaker was absent.

In order to prevent possible breakdown of law and order, the house complex was manned by stern-looking security operatives as the sitting lasted.

In his resignation resignation letter addressed to the Deputy Speaker, Ochei said his resignation as Speaker took effect from Tuesday March 18, 2014, adding that the decision was "based on my personal resolve to pave way a new leadership that would take the House and the state to a high level having contributed my quota in that regard."

He thanked his colleagues for their support and cooperation while his tenure lasted and wished his successor the divine wisdom to take the House and the state to higher heights in collaboration with the executive arm of government.

The position of the former Speaker was declared vacant following the acceptance of his resignation letter. The Deputy Majority Leader, Johnson Erijo (Isoko South II) thereafter nominated Onwusanya for the position and was seconded by Sam Obi (Ika North-East) before the new Speaker was unanimously elected by voice votes.

Onwusanya was immediately sworn-in by the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Lyna Ocholor.

The sitting was witnessed by chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including the state chairman, Peter Nwaoboshi and pioneer Speaker of the House and Special Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Legislative Matters, Emmanuel Okoro.

Meanwhile, Hon. Friday Osanebi representing Ndokwa West was unanimously adopted to assume the position of Deputy Chief Whip, following his recommendation by the leadership of the PDP in the state.