Assembly passes Delta Merit Award Bill

The Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the State Merit Award Bill.

The passage of the bill followed the adoption of the report of the House Joint Committee on Information and Special Committee at plenary in Asaba.

Presenting the report, the House leader and Chairman of the Committee, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, (Aniocha North-PDP), said that the bill sought to give recognition to the indigenes of the state, whether dead or alive, who had exceptionally excelled in their chosen careers.

”When you recognise and reward someone who has performed excellently, you are not only boosting the person’s morale, but also challenging others who have the capacity to do things to promote the image and development of the state,” he said.

Nwaobi, however, said that individuals who were still in service might not get such recogntion.

”Whether in the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, until five years after you have left office before you will be recognised if you have done anything extra ordinary to the development of the state,” he added.

Consequently, the bill which was considered at the Committee of the whole, under the Chairmanship of the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.

The speaker commended the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the bill.

”I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your contribution towards the passage of the bill.

”I will also want to appreciate all of you for participating in this exercise and you have succeeded in taking the state to a greater height.

”This is a great achievement and victory to democracy,” he said.