By Karen James
In just one year, the Anambra State House of Assembly has proven its dedication and commitment to the progress of the state. Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze announced that the 8th Assembly has successfully passed 21 bills, 62 motions, and over 70 resolutions, along with reports from various committees.
Comparing the achievements of the present lawmakers to those of previous houses of Assembly in Anambra State, Rt. Hon. Udeze expressed his satisfaction with the remarkable progress made in such a short period. Despite the challenges faced by the 8th Assembly, including the presence of 23 new elected members, the Speaker highlighted the organizing of training, retreats, and workshops to equip the lawmakers with the necessary skills to effectively carry out their duties.
The relationship between the legislators and the executive was also emphasized, with Udeze stating that it is truly a project for the betterment of Anambra. This reflection is evident in the bills and motions passed, demonstrating the support of the 8th Assembly for the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Reforms have been a priority for the lawmakers, who have been thinking outside the box to solve various issues. One example is the anti-touting law, which led to the establishment of a monitoring committee to assist the executive in improving the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state. The presence of seven lawyers in the 8th Assembly has also been advantageous, as a committee was formed to review previous laws to prevent repetition.
Out of the 21 bills passed, 11 originated from the executive, several of which have been approved by Governor Soludo. The Speaker emphasized the unity within the 8th Assembly, despite its composition of four different political parties. The legislative agenda has guided the lawmakers in passing laws that directly impact the lives of the people of Anambra.
This article also highlighted the reforms introduced by the 8th Assembly, such as an improved working environment, starting plenary early, and not being a rubber stamp to the executive. The ongoing efforts to establish the autonomy of the House of Assembly were also mentioned, with the expectation of a board being set up soon.
Governor Soludo’s vision of doing things differently has been embraced by the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly, as they strive to become the best Legislature in Nigeria. Their mission is to effectively represent the people, enact quality laws, and ensure the judicious use of state resources for the well-being of Anambra citizens.
In addition, the achievements of the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly within its first year of existence have been remarkable. Their dedication, vigor, and selflessness in the interest of peace and progress have undeniably written their names in golden letters. With a commitment to ongoing reforms and the pursuit of the state’s best interests, the 8th Assembly is setting a commendable example for legislative bodies across Nigeria.
Besides, the majority of the 8th Anambra State National Assembly Chief Honourable Ikenna Ofodeme will be celebrating his birthday on the 14th of June, 2024. We the Pechilly Investigative is wishing you a very prosperous happy birthday celebration.