Omos Oyinbode, Asaba
Indications are rife that Hon. Monday Igbuya, the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, has been tipped to be the next Speaker of the House, following the power rotation formula of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
This is coming on the fact that the Governor-Elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, is from Delta North and his Deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, is from Delta South while the most senior member from Delta Central is to emerge as Speaker of the House, the third most powerful office in the state.
Hence, Igbuya’s victory at the April 11 House of Assembly elections has been described by the people of Sapele, his constituents, as an affirmation of his ascendancy to the office of the Speaker of the most vibrant assembly in Nigeria.
Meeting under the aegis of Delta State Political Leaders Forum (DSPLF) in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, the Urhobo elders said the victory of Igbuya was the handiwork of the people of Sapele who have confidence in the law maker to take the constituency to an enviable height.
The leaders who commended Igbuya for employing his wealth of experience to serve the people of Sapele, also called on the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other lawmakers-elect to make the member representing Sapele Constituency the next speaker of the House.
This, the group hinged on his experience and being the most senior member of the House from Delta Central Senatorial District where the Speaker is zoned from June 2015.
The leaders who also lauded igbuya for his integrity, empowerment of the youths in Delta Central and his redefinition of Sapele politics said there were no doubts as to whether Sapele would produce the next Speaker of the State Assembly.
“Among the contenders for the Speaker’s position, Igbuya stands out. He has the contemplative demeanour of the kind of a man who can lead the House. He understands the workings of the Assembly and the needs of the state and the people. He is a ranking member of the House and the most appropriate person for this position.” the leaders noted.
They further said “Igbuya knows a lot about government, a lot about politics, and a lot about how to get things done. He is the perfect example for those who go into politics for principle, who serve selflessly, and who are prepared to do what they think is right.”
In different communiqués issued by the group and signed by Darlington Ebireri and Mr. Sylvester Oguma, the group said the leaders based their choice of Igbuya as the next speaker on the core attributes of competence, integrity, courage and focus.
The statement said “Igbuya has all it takes to preside over the sessions of the House. He possesses a profound knowledge of precedent, procedure and how Legislature operates. He is a strategist; his word means a lot. He will advance public policy, maintain order and effectively conduct general business of the House”.
The statement further said “let us pick a man who would be beholden to no constituency greater than that of the state. Igbuya will bring to the speaker’s office the value of working together and respect. He will always meet with the other leaders in crafting major legislation to deal with pressing issues and problems in the state.
