Ethiope East Councillors Mourn Pioneer Chairman, Tackle Herdsmen Attacks, Soaring Sharp Sand Prices, Rural Healthcare Crisis

By Faith Ebireri

The Ethiope East Legislative Arm convened its plenary session on Thursday, 27th November, 2025, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Emojeya Emmanuel, to address matters of urgent public importance and consider legislative bills.

The session commenced with an opening prayer led by Hon. S. Oghoghorie Oghenevwede, Councillor for DSIEC Ward 11, Kokori.

The order of proceedings was moved by Hon. Umuhehe Obukowho Jonathan (Ward 6, Okpara Inland) and seconded by Hon. Irerhime James Ohwesiri (DSIEC Ward 13, Samagidi).

In his welcome address, the Leader warmly acknowledged the return of Hon. Peter Aghuata (DSIEC Ward 19, Orhoakpor) following a period of serious illness, expressing gratitude for his recovery. He also commended Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Hon. Kelly Penawou for their support towards the 2025 Delta State Councillors’ Symposium, where official campaign caps were unveiled. Rt. Hon. Emojeya urged councillors to remain proactive in their wards to ensure lasting relevance beyond their tenure.

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“Councillors often fade from memory after their tenure. It’s important to change this narrative. Stay active in your respective wards during your time in office so that, even after your tenure ends, you remain relevant to your community.” He expressed his determination to effectively represent the Councilors and requested their support in realizing his vision for positive outcomes.

The minutes of the previous sitting on 13 November were reviewed, corrected, and adopted as a working document. Hon. Onoriode (DSIEC Ward 20, Isiokolo) informed the House of the passing of Hon. Chief A.Y. Esiekpe, the first democratically elected Executive Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area. Members observed a minute’s silence in his honour, after which the Leader directed the House Committee on Welfare to organise a condolence visit to the bereaved family.

Hon. Umuhehe O. Jonathan praised the Executive Chairman, Hon. Chief Augustine Ogedegbe JP, for his performance.

His words: “I want to commend and appreciate the Executive Chairman, Hon. Chief Ogedegbe Augustine JP, for the excellent work he has been doing. However, our primary responsibility here is to represent our constituents, create laws, and perform oversight functions,” but appealed for urgent intervention on the deplorable Okpara–Okurekpo road.

Similarly, Hon. David Ovigue Joshua (DSIEC Ward 10, Kokori) highlighted the menace of indiscriminate parking by tricycle operators, which obstructs market lanes and endangers pedestrians and road users. The Leader instructed him to submit a formal written motion for proper documentation.

On matters arising from the previous plenary, the Clerk revisited concerns about herdsmen encroachment, drug abuse, and the rising cost of sharp sand.

During the session, Hon. Oghoghorie Oghenevwede raised a petition concerning the sharp increase in the price of sharp sand and escalating insecurity caused by herdsmen activities in Kokori.

“The rising price of sharp sand in the community is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. Sharp sand dealers should be engaged to investigate the reasons behind this constant increase and to promote fair market regulations. Additionally, the growing instances of insecurity, including herdsmen activities in Kokori, attacks on farmers, and threats to life, are of great concern,” he said.

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The matter concerning sharp sand was referred to the House Committee on Revenue for a report in the next plenary session, while the issue involving herdsmen was directed to the Chairman of the House Committee on Security.

A bill for the establishment of a Primary Health Care Centre in Uhrodo (Ward 18), sponsored by Hon. Oghenemarho Kingsley Eyamu, successfully passed its second reading after robust debate and minor amendments.

Expressing strong support, the Leader emphasised its importance in improving healthcare access for rural communities. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health for detailed scrutiny, with a report expected in January 2026.

The plenary concluded on a positive note, with the Leader commending members for their contributions.

The House adjourned and will reconvene on Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025.