Okowa Signs New DSIEC Bill Into Law, Sends Names Of Commissioners Nominees To Assembly

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, assisted by Speaker Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori while signing the DSIEC Bill and Others into law on Tuesday

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state on Tuesday signed into law the new Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) Bill, paving way for the conduct of elections into the 25 Local Government Councils in the State.

The Governor also signed two other bills into law; the Local Government Amendment Bill (2017) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill (2016).

Besides, Governor Okowa has also named seven- member board for the new DSIEC, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

Signing the DSIEC’s bill into law as presented by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori accompanied by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, Clark of the House, Mrs Lyna Ochulor and other Principal officers, Governor Okowa said it was the first step for the smooth conduct of the local government elections.

He said the new law will strengthen the activities of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission and ensure a hitch free electoral processes at the local government level.

“The signing into law of the DSIEC Bill 2017 is very important at this point in time, the law will strengthen the activities of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission and I believe that with this action, members of the Commission will be appointed to take office for the smooth conduct of the local government elections.”

Meanwhile, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori also on Tuesday read a letter from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa appointing seven members for the new DSIEC board.

BigPen Online recalls that Governor Okowa had dissolved the former board led by Mr. Moses Ogbe, a nominee of former governor, Chief James Ibori few weeks ago to enable him appoint his own selected loyalists into the electoral body.

However, the new Chairman of the reconstituted board is said to be a loyalist of Ibori from Oghara, Ethiope West Council Area of the State. His appointment, apparently was to please Ibori who reports say had expressed displeasure over the sack of Ogbe without his consent.

The new DSIEC Commissioners are expected to be screen and subsequently confirm by the House, before they would be formally announce.

A letter containing their nomination sent by Governor Okowa and read in the House on Tuesday said; “In exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 198 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. I wish to submit as here under, the list of nominees for appointment as Members of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, (DSIEC).

The nominees are: Chief Mike Ogbodu – Chairman, Fredrick Oduje Ulakpa – Member, Friday Edmund Seimode – Member, James Eruorhevwameme Umukoro – Member, Gregory Chukwuma Edeme – Member, Light Oritseweyinmi Diden – Member, and Mrs. Yvonne Ovuevo Wagbatsoma – Member.

“I will greatly appreciate if early actions is taken, as usual, to place the names of the nominees before the Honourable House for consideration and confirmation to enable me effect their appointments as required by the constitution”, Governor Okowa said.

The Speaker thereafter asked the nominees to submit 35 copies of their Curriculum Vitae and appear before the House tomorrow, September 20, 2017 for screening.

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