WARRI, EFFURUN DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BILL PASSES SECOND READING AT DELTA STATE ASSEMBLY

The Delta State Warri- Uvwie and Environs Development Agency Bill, 2019 has passed the second reading at the State House of Assembly.

This followed a motion moved at Tuesday’s plenary by the Majority Leader, Honourable Tim Owhefere, seconded by Hononourable 

Opening debate on the merit of the bill, the Majority Leader, Honourable Tim Owhefere, argued that the bill was well thought out as it would help restore the lost glory of Warri, Uvwie and the environs by giving the area the desired development status.   

According to him, the bill sought to eradicate bureaucracy from the development of the oil city of Warri, adding that if passed it would give Warri and the environs a befitting outlook.

The Majority Leader argued that the proposed law would help Warri reclaim its lost glory and commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for initiating the bill .

‘Honourable Owhefere noted that over the years Warri had depreciated in terms of development, stressing that the narrative  of deplorable roads and poor sanitation had further given the area a bad image.

Speaking in favour of the bill, the member representing Ughelli South constituency , Honourable Rueben Izeze, argued that the oil rich city of Warri had lost its glory, leaving the area with weak infrastructure. He argued that Warri remained the commercial nerve centre of Delta State, stressing the need for a thorough consideration of the bill to avoid lapses when passed.

Other lawmakers who spoke in favour of the bill, including Honourables Orezi Esievo  Efe Ofoburuku and Samuel Mariere  agreed that the bill sought accelerated development for Warri and its environ.

While Honourable Esievo argued that the bill would underscore the prosperity for all Deltans mantra of the  Okowa  administration, Honourable Ofoburuku noted that it would create employment opportunities for Deltans. 

The bill passed second reading following a voice vote by the Speaker, Honourable  Sheriff Oborevwori which was adpoted . It was thereafter committed to an adhoc Committee chaired by the Majority Leader, Honourable Tim Owhefere with Honourables Emeka Elekeokwuri and Samuel Mariere as members, while the Deputy Clerk of the House, Barrister Otto Aghoghovia will serve as Secretary.

The committee is expected to report back to the House on Thursday, May 9th 2019.