… By Nkem Nwaeke
Li Zong Laozi is a semi-legendary ancient Chinese philosopher and author of the Tao Te Ching, the foundational text of Taoism along with the Zhuangzi.
It was he who, many years ago said, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”
Similarly, and thinking in same direction was a Catholic Missionary, Mother Teresa who said, “Sometimes, the best way to conquer is to let your team believe they’re in charge”, adding, she said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Both quotes from World best Philosophers aptly describe the antecedents of the man behind this discourse, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.
As the Speaker marks his 46th birthday, it is an opportune moment to reflect on his remarkable journey and accomplishments. And as his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, I am honoured to share this tribute to his dedication, leadership, and commitment to the people of Delta State.
Background:
With virtually no proverbial silver spoon in his mouth at birth into the families of Captain Robinson Niki Guwor and Oludewa Niki Guwor (nee Ekpemupolo) from Oporoza town and Okerenkoko respectively both of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West local government area of Delta State, 46 years ago, Emomotimi, as he was fondly called by his peers, had a humble beginning, weathering the storms of a child born in the then badly neglected region.
Little Guwor had his elementary education at the prestigious Fiyewei Primary School, Oporoza from there to Essi College Warri, for his secondary school education and later Gbaraun Grammar School where he obtained his Senior School Certificate.
He proceeded to the Delta State University, Abraka for first degree and later in Law (LLB) from Benson Idahosa University Benin, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Benin, (UNIBEN).
His passion for leadership at the age of 19 earned him the position of Secretary of his community group, Egwa Youth Development Association, responsible for organizing youth towards profitable social and educational causes. He served for four years encouraging students in the creeks to take education seriously with diverse campaign and enlightenment programmes and later became a renowned Student leader in Delta State University, Abraka, serving as the Financial Secretary of the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students, (NUIS), a global Pan-Ijaw Students Association. Guwor also served as a member of the Student Representative Council (SRC), the Legislative arm of the Delta State University Student Union Government (SUG) representing his department.
In 2005, having successfully completed his university education with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Religious Studies, coupled with his years of experience in providing focused leadership in youth organizations, the energetic Guwor was appointed the pioneer Secretary of the Gbaramatu Youth Council (GYC), a frontline youth organization promoting peace-building and leadership development for youths in the kingdom.
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Emomotimi Dennis Guwor completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) between 2006 and 2007, a period that further prepared him for leadership and administrative task having served as an administrative support staff for the Hadejia Local Government Council, Jigawa State.
In 2009, with divine providence and credit to years of commitment to building key leadership skills, he was elected as the youngest Chairman of Egwa Community, an oil-rich community in Gbaramatu Kingdom. His tenure was characterized with monumental achievements in terms of infrastructural developments, increase in the number of student enrollment, scholarship, education grants, amongst other positive narratives in his honour.
Having displayed uncommon humility, selfless service, integrity and commitment to public good over the years and as a reward for his unbroken focus and dedication to excellence, in 2015 he was appointed, the Executive Assistant (E.A) to the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon (Barr.) Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, a man he had served as a Personal Assistant when he was the Commissioner Representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) between 2011 and 2014.
With a strong passion for inclusive political participation for his people, Rt Hon Guwor resigned from his appointment as an Executive Assistant in July 2018 and contested for the seat to represent Warri South West State Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly. He became the flag-bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the election on 5th of October 2018 and emerged winner of the March 9, 2019 general elections to represent Warri South West State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly.
As an active member of the 7th Assembly, Guwor, served as Chairman House Committee on DESOPADEC; Vice Chairman House Committee on Science & Technology and a Member of several House Committees, including Works, Lands, Survey & Urban Development, Peace and Security, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Public Petition and Information.
Within this period, he also sponsored bills, raised motions and executed projects that were beneficial to his constituency and Deltans in general. Worthy of note is the Delta State Environmental Conservation Bill 2020 (HB. 23). And on May 13, 2020; he raised a motion under Matter of Urgent Public Importance on the rising case of dead fishes along the shore lines of River Forcados, the Escravos river, and their tributaries.
The motion gained tremendous support from his colleagues at a sitting presided over by the then Speaker of the House, now Governor of Delta State, the Right Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori. The resolution of the House on the motion prompted national response from the Presidency for a Joint Investigation with the Federal Ministry of Environment and its parastatals, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). The matter generated public reactions and relief materials were provided to the affecting communities whiles the root cause of the matter was sorted out.
Guwor was reelected for a second term in 2023 general elections by his people, having shown so much passion in legislative process and how it can effectively drive change and sustainable development in Delta and Nigeria.
And on the 13th of June 2023, at the inauguration of the 8th Delta State Assembly through a proclamation by the Governor of the State, the young and dynamic trailblazer was elected by his colleagues as the Speaker of the House, making him first amongst equals and the number 3 citizen of Delta State.
Few months after his emergence as Speaker of the Delta State legislature, exactly on 16th September 2023, he was elected the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses Assembly in Nigeria.
A Leader’s Rise to Prominence;
Born with a passion for public service, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor’s entry into politics is marked by his election as a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, representing Warri South West Constituency. His exemplary performance and dedication to his constituents earned him a second term, solidifying his position as a respected leader in the state. This singular honour and privileged accorded him by the good people of Warri South West and with divine grace and benevolence of his colleagues elected to serve in the 8th Delta State Assembly, pumped up the political game and elevated him as the number 3 citizen of Delta State.
A New Era of Leadership:
On June 13, 2023, Guwor made history by emerging as the Speaker of the 8th Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly. This milestone marked a new era of leadership, characterized by his vision for a more prosperous and equitable Delta State.
A Champion of the People;
So far as the Presiding Officer of the Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the welfare and development of his constituents and the people of Delta State. His legislative initiatives and advocacy efforts have focused on addressing the pressing needs of Deltans and in line with the MORE mantra of the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who incidentally is his immediate predecessor in office.
From education and healthcare to physical infrastructure and economic empowerment, Rt Hon Guwor has shown resilience, focus, capacity, and leadership that will remain evergreen in generations to come.
A Unifying Force
As Speaker, Rt. Hon. Guwor has played a pivotal role in fostering unity and cooperation among Members of the State Legislature. His leadership style, marked by inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and other stakeholders in the Delta State Project.
As Speaker of the current State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Guwor who believes strongly in the spirit of team play, has, within the past twenty two months of steering the wheel of fortune in the State legislature, recorded tremendous legislative progress.
In the first one year of his leadership, the House under his watch has considered notable motions and adopted resolutions significant to the welfare and security of Deltans. Some of the motions and resolutions include;
1. Resolution calling on the Governor to (i) Set out security measures in place to forestall a recurrence of the destruction of farm lands and produce by Herdsmen in Abraka and its Environs which occurred on 17th August, 2023, and
(ii) Ensure that the peace, love and order that is presently prevailing in the communities be maintained.
2. Motion condemning rising incidence of open sex trade and use of illicit drugs among youths in parts of the state.
3. Motion calling on the Governor to prohibit the use of styrofoam (also known as polystyrene) as cups, plates or any form of packaging for food or beverages in the State.
Similarly, within same period under review, the House received a total of eighteen Bills; fifteen Executive Bills and three Private Members Bills. Many of the Bills have been passed and assented to by the Governor. These include;
1. Supplementary Appropriation ( Amendment) Bill, 2022 ;
2. Additional Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2022 ;
3. Appropriation Bill, 2024;
4. Delta State Merit Award Bill, 2023;
5. Delta State Social Investment Programme Bill, 2023;
6. Delta State Persons with Disability Bill, 2023;
7. Delta State Polytechnic Burutu ( Amendment) Bill, 2024;
8. Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill, 2024;
9. Delta State Administration of Civil Justice( Amendment) Bill, 2024;
A good number of Bills are undergoing consideration before the House.
From the sidelines, a Vote of Confidence was recently passed on Mr Speaker and his leadership by the College of Legislative Aides of Members of the Delta State House of Assembly. A similar Vote of Confidence had earlier been passed on him by the leadership and Members of the Delta State Chapter of Parliamentary Association of Nigeria, PASAN. These two groups directly involved in the day to day operations of the legislature have continuously expressed their unwavering support to the Right Honourable Emomotimi Dennis Guwor as the Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Delta State Government.
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A Birthday Tribute
As Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor celebrates his 46th birthday, all of us working with him express our appreciation of his care, honour his selfless service, tireless efforts, and unwavering dedication to the Legislature, the nation’s democracy, the people of Delta State, constituents of Warri South West and the society at large.
We wish him a joyous celebration, good health, and continued success in his endeavours.
Happy birthday, the Right Honourable Speaker, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor (Ama-Ekisi)
