By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Sunday spoke on the challenges, gains and distractions in his first one year in office, describing his colleagues as wonderful people, in spite of the first one year being tough.
“Before June 8, 2016, hopes were high. Some of us thought we were going to live in the past. Past Speakers had enormous influence and resources to assist the people. One year gone, the reverse is the case. We met serious recession. Subvention was reduced. In three months, things started getting worse. We started preaching the gospel of belt tightening. My colleagues have seen reasons to adjust. The situation is very bad, very difficult and tough”.
Speaking with local and foreign journalists in Sapele, Igbuya said the House passed a good number of bills.
“We passed a good number of bills. Administratively, we achieved a major feat. We were able to find solution to poor power supply” he said.
Demonstrating maturity and total understanding of what politics should be all about, Igbuya stressed on synergy between the three arms of government.
“Can you achieve result without fund? No legislature can work without fund. We don’t generate revenue. The executive does that. There must be synergy between the three arms of government. People should be talking about synergy, not independence” he said.
Empathizing with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Igbuya said the House would continue to make laws for the good governance of the state.
“I feel for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. I wonder how he intends to achieve some of his dreams. We are looking inward and bringing some laws that can make Delta State generate enough revenue. Okowa means well for the people. He wants to set a standard. Deltans should continue to pray for this administration”.
He commended the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for positioning the party ahead of 2019 general election.
“There is no faction in Delta State PDP. The reconciliation committee is doing very well”.
Igbuya rejected the proposed bill to establish and control grazing routes and reserves before the National Assembly.
“The resolutions of the South-South and South-East lawmakers are quite clear. We asked our representatives in the National Assembly to oppose it”.
Attributing the defective and harsh socio-economic environment, lack of employment opportunities, environmental degradation, lack of infrastructure, general under-development and inadequate benefit of the resources from the region to militancy in the Niger Delta, Igbuya advised President Muhammadu Buhari to dialogue with the people.
“Mr. President should dialogue with the people. What are the problems? He should listen to the people. Power belongs to the people”.
In the interest of peace, harmony and unity of Nigeria, Igbuya urged Buhari to review the ownership structure of oil wells in the country.
“How many South- South people are owners of oil wells in the country? He should allow 65 per cent ownership by the people of the Niger Delta region.”
