Delta Assembly Mulls Bill Against Rising House Rents ~ Truth Reporters

 

…As 8th Assembly Marks 2nd Anniversary

 

The Delta State House of Assembly has announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at regulating rent increases and ensuring more affordable housing for residents.

 

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, disclosed this during a press conference held in Asaba on Friday, as part of events marking the end of the Second Session and the 2nd Anniversary of the 8th Assembly.

 

Guwor said the move became necessary to address the growing concern over rising house rents in the state.

 

According to the Speaker, the proposed legislation is a response to numerous complaints from constituents across the state, especially in urban centers like Asaba, Warri, Sapele, and Ughelli, where rent hikes have become a serious challenge for low- and middle-income earners.

 

“We cannot ignore the cries of our people who are being priced out of decent accommodation,” Rt. Hon. Guwor stated. “This Assembly is determined to bring relief through legislative action that protects both tenants and landlords while promoting fair housing policies.”

 

He said the bill on high rent in Delta, sponsored by the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and 27 other members, has already been listed for first reading.

 

He emphasized that the Assembly will work closely with relevant stakeholders, including the state Ministry of Housing, real estate developers, landlords’ associations, and civil society groups, to ensure that the proposed bill is balanced and enforceable.

 

The announcement of the proposed rent control bill is expected to be tabled during the next legislative session, with many Deltans expressing hope that it will bring long-overdue stability to the housing sector.

 

The Speaker also highlighted several landmark bills passed, oversight activities, and collaborative engagements with the executive arm of government that have strengthened governance and development in the state.

 

“Our 2nd Anniversary is not just a time to celebrate but also to reaffirm our commitment to the people,” Guwor added.

 

He noted that during the Second Session of the 8th Assembly, the House demonstrated uncommon diligence and unity of purpose in the discharge of its legislative duties.

 

“We have received, considered, and passed a number of impactful bills and motions that directly touch the lives of Deltans. These are critical laws aimed at promoting education, healthcare, youth empowerment, infrastructural development, environmental protection, security, and economic growth.”

 

The House received a total of sixteen bills, eight Executive Bills and eight Private Member’s Bills. Of these, seven were passed by the House and six have been assented to by His Excellency, the Governor, while one is being prepared for assent.

 

The remaining eight are currently under consideration. Additionally, nine bills received by the House in the First Session scaled Third Reading, were passed, and subsequently assented to by the Governor during the period under review.

 

These include the Delta State Child Rights (Amendment) Law, 2024; 2023 Amended Revised Appropriation Law, 2024; Delta State College of Health Technology, Ofurode Law, 2024; Southern Delta University, Ozoro (Establishment) Law, 2024; Appropriation Law, 2025; Supplementary Appropriation Law, 2024; Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu (Amendment) Law, 2024; Delta State Urban and Regional Planning Law, 2024; Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency (Amendment) Law, 2024; Delta State Film and Video Censors Board Law, 2024; Delta State Registration and Regulation of Private Veterinary Clinics Law, 2024; Special Offences Court (Amendment) Law, 2024; Delta State Pet Control and Responsible Ownership Law, 2024; Delta State Human Trafficking (Prohibition) Law, 2024; and Delta State Electricity Power Sector Law, 2024.

 

"The cumulative effect of these laws is to entrench good governance, ensure the rule of law, uphold child rights, prevent human trafficking, promote the welfare and security of the people, expand access to tertiary education, ensure regular and uninterrupted electricity supply, and foster development across key sectors of the state, all in alignment with the M.O.R.E Agenda."

 

During the same period, the House received seventy-two motions, sixty-nine of which were approved after robust debate by members.

 

“This Assembly remains focused on enacting people-centered laws that address real issues and improve the quality of life in Delta State.”

 

On the enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing Law, Speaker Guwor said the Deputy Speaker, who also chairs the Legislative Compliance Committee, held meetings with Local Government Council Chairmen to ensure implementation.

 

He added that at a recently expanded Security Council meeting with the Governor, several decisions were made on how best to enforce the law.

 

Regarding the delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, the Speaker called for calm and patience, noting that relevant authorities were already addressing the situation.

 

“Delineation of wards is part of the democratic process and should not be a source of conflict among brothers and sisters. To everyone in Warri Federal Constituency, I urge restraint, dialogue, and maturity. The matter is already being handled by the relevant federal agencies. Let us give peace a chance. Peace is not weakness; it is strength guided by wisdom. Whether you are Ijaw, Itsekiri, or Urhobo, our unity remains our strength.”

 

The Speaker also announced a novelty football match between the Delta State House of Assembly and members of the State Executive Council, scheduled to take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on 21st June 2025. 

He said a thanksgiving service will be held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 34 Headquarters, Unity Model Parish, behind Junior Staff Quarters, Asaba, followed by a reception at the Legislators’ Quarters, Okpanam Road, on Sunday, 22nd June 2025.