Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon (Engr.) Victor Ochei has officially resigned his position as Speaker of the state Legislature, citing his personal resolve to pave way for a new leadership of the House.
Ochei was sworn in as the Speaker on 6th June 2011.
In a letter addressed to Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt Hon (Barr.) Basil Ganagana, the erstwhile speaker stated that he hoped the new leadership will take the state and house to a higher level, having contributed his quota in that regard.
“I wish to thank all those numerous and many [sic] who made my tour of duty a pleasant affair further”, he wrote.
“To you my esteemed colleagues, I remain grateful for your love and camaraderie we shared while it lasted”.
He prayed that God in His infinite wisdom avails his successor and indeed the House of all human sagacity in the task of accentuating the core ideals of the Legislature as a partner in governance, for a better society.
Deputy Majority Whip, Peter Onwusanua is widely tipped to emerge Speaker of the Assembly today following the departure of Victor Ochei, which has been linked to intense politicking ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial election in the state.
It was thought that Ochei had the backing of outgoing Governor Emmanuel Uduagahan in the governorship seat, but after the emergence of facts to the contrary, members of the Assembly started readying themselves for a showdown with the speaker, who has stepped on some toes within and outside the Legislature.
His resignation nonetheless, Ochei is resolved to sustain his gubernatorial ambition, and is prepared to contest with the likes of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and as well as Chief of staff to Governor Uduaghan, Dr. Festus Okubor.
