A draft framework for establishing a Post Legislative Scrutiny Unit, PLS, in the Delta State House of Assembly has been presented to members of the state legislature.
The presentation was one of the highlights that brought to an end a 3-day workshop organized by Westminster Foundation for Democracy, WFD, for Members of the Delta State Assembly, Parliamentary Workers, Staff of Ministry of Justice and Civil Society Organizations.
The training, according to WFD, was intended to produce a validated framework that will guide the formal establishment and operationalization of the Post-Legislative Scrutiny Unit in the Delta State House of Assembly.
In attendance were the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, Principal Officers, other Lawmakers, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, the Clerk of the State Assembly, Oto Aghoghopia, Esq, top officials of Ministry of Justice and representatives of Civil Society groups.
Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, in his remarks, reaffirmed the commitment of the State Legislature to deepening accountability and ensuring that laws passed by the House deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Rt Hon Guwor noted that the workshop had, over the past three days, provided valuable insights on how PLS can serve as a mechanism for tracking the implementation and real impact of laws.
He explained that while the first two days focused on staff and legislators respectively, the third day was dedicated to reviewing the Draft Framework for the establishment of a Post-Legislative Scrutiny Unit within the Delta State House of Assembly.
“This is a key step toward institutionalizing Post-Legislative Scrutiny in our legislative system. For us, this is about strengthening accountability, transparency, and good governance. It is about ensuring that the laws we pass truly serve the people of Delta State in the best possible way”, the Speaker said.
Guwor encouraged participants to engage constructively as they review and refine the framework to ensure a sustainable, functional, and impactful PLS Unit.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, described the initiative as a bold and commendable step.
Represented by the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Omamuzo Erebe SAN, Ohwovoriole affirmed the ministry’s readiness to partner with the Delta State House of Assembly and the WFD in institutionalizing PLS in the state.
“This initiative demonstrates a clear commitment to accountability and effective governance. We must ensure that the laws we enact achieve the results we intend for our people. The Ministry of Justice remains committed to supporting this process”, Ohwovoriole stated.
In his remarks, the Country Director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, noted that Post-Legislative Scrutiny helps parliaments go beyond lawmaking to assessing whether laws are being implemented effectively and delivering their intended outcomes.
Olorunmola stated that the Delta State programme includes a baseline assessment, targeted capacity-building, and the piloting of a dedicated PLS Unit.
He added that the initiative would improve collaboration between the legislature and the executive, thereby enhancing policy outcomes and citizens’ welfare.
The Friday session of the workshop featured an in-depth review of the Draft Framework for establishing the PLS Unit, including its objectives, functions, operational structure, and organogram,
Participants shared robust perspectives on how best to embed PLS into the Assembly’s legislative culture.