Former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Funkekeme Solomon, has emerged as the chairman of the Forum of Non-Sitting Members of the Delta State House of Assembly.
Funkekeme, who is currently senior policy adviser to the governor and state coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, emerged alongside an 11-member executive committee at the forum’s meeting held in Asaba, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The election, conducted in accordance with Section 9(2)(iv) of the forum’s constitution, was supervised by the board of trustees, as represented by its Chairman, Ovie Agas; Emmanuel Okoro, and Peter Okolie.
Before the voting, the board directed each of the three senatorial districts to nominate candidates for offices zoned to them, taking into consideration commitment, competence and capacity to serve.
Other members elected into the executive committee are Joe Adigwe, vice chairman; Abel Oshevire, secretary; Patrick Fregene, director of publicity and organisation; Gabriel Okpuno, treasurer; and Squadron Leader Paul Okpue (rtd), assistant secretary.
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Others are Joseph Oshevire, policy analyst; Olise Imegwu, legal adviser; Benjamin Efekodo, welfare officer; Julius Okpoko, financial secretary; while George Oyefia and Emmanuel Orugboh were elected ex-officio members.
The new executive will serve an initial two-year tenure.
Speaking on the new leadership, the Director of Publicity and Organisation, Patrick Fregene, said the election marks a new chapter for the forum, stressing that the new executive was committed to building a stronger, more united and purposeful body.
He said the forum would leverage the experience and contributions of former lawmakers to promote unity, members’ welfare and the overall development of Delta State, while providing a credible platform for non-sitting members to remain relevant in public service and community development.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing Chairman, Sunny Emeyese, urged the new executive to remain united and non-partisan, while putting the interests of Delta State above personal considerations.
He also charged the new leadership to prioritise the welfare of members and work towards strengthening their financial independence.
In his acceptance speech, Funkekeme thanked members for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work assiduously to strengthen the forum and make it a credible and reputable voice for former presiding officers and other non-sitting members of the state House of Assembly in Delta State and beyond.
