By Christopher Odamah, Asaba

Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, DTHA Speaker taking his oath of allegiance to office while Deputy Speaker and Clerk look on

Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori JP, today, May 11, 2017 sworn-in as the newly elected Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Asaba following the impeachment saga of Hon. Monday O. Igbuya, over the allegations of incompetence, high-handedness and unacceptable leadership style.

Our Correspondent reliably gathered that the Plenary Session which started at about 06.35am was presided by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi, with both the Clerk and the Sergeant-At-Arm incharge of the Mace of authority in attendance.

In his acceptance speech, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori promised to adhere to the Rules of House, saying though he had become the first among equals, he would accord every distinguished members due respect for the honour done him.

The Speaker said he will not allow the integrity of the 6th Assembly to be depleted while calling for member’s support.

Meanwhile, Hon. (Dr.) Alphonso Ojo, member representing Ukwuani Constituency led the day’s plenary with an opening prayer.

Under the matters of urgent public importance, Hon. Johnson Erijo, member representing Isoko South II State Constituency moved the motion of impeachment of Hon. Monday Igbuya, seconded by Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, member representing Oshimili South Constituency and was unanimously adopted by 25 honourable members out of 29.

Hon. Erijo added that the removal was necessitated by the incompetence, high-handedness and unacceptable leadership style of the erstwhile speaker, saying the Assembly need to move forward; a new Speaker was needed as the legislature was key to growth of democracy and development of the state.

Our reporter gathered that the lawmakers impeached and suspended Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya for three months.

Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya and Hon. Barr. Daniel Mayuku nominated Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. Hon. Efe Ofobruku and Daniel Yingi nominated Hon. Eric Oharisi. Hon. Eric Oharisi commended those that nominated him while faithfully step down for Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was immediately sworn-in by the Clerk of the House, Barr. Mrs Lyna Ocholor.

The House also impeached the Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere, member representing Isoko North Constituency, following a motion raised by Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya and seconded by Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, member representing Udu constituency with an indefinite suspension.

The motion which was unanimously adopted, seconded by Hon Prince Eric Oharisi, member representing Ughelli North II Constituency, replacing him with Hon. Johnson Erijo, member representing Isoko South II Constituency.

The newly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, immediately dissolved all Standing Committees of the Whole House.

The motion of adjournment was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Johnson Erijo to May 23, 2017 at 10.00am prompt and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Preyor Oboro

Efforts to reach the impeached speaker for reaction to the development proved abortive.