By Franklin Osankwa
The Anambra State House of Assembly celebrated its first anniversary in grand style at the State Legislative Chambers on June 12th, in Awka. The event marked a significant milestone, with the Assembly making history through its legislative accomplishments.
Over the past year, the Assembly has passed ๐3 ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ, ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ of these bills graciously assented to by the Executive Governor of the State. Notably, (๐) ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ of these are private member bills.
The day’s events commenced with a plenary session at 10:00 a.m., presided over by Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze, the Speaker of the House. During this session, members had the opportunity to address their constituents, highlighting their commitment to their legislative duties.
In his address, Rt. Hon. Udeze highlighted the significant legislative achievements of the 8th Assembly despite the challenges associated with lawmaking. He noted that the Assembly has successfully passed laws that have shaped government policies and ensured the well-being of Ndi Anambra.
Additionally, the Assembly passed 62 resolutions on various socio-economic issues, setting a record of legislative productivity. The Speaker disclosed that under his leadership, the Assembly recorded an ๐๐% ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐, emphasizing the lawmakers’ responsiveness to the needs of their constituencies.
Rt. Hon. Udeze also expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for fostering a strong synergy between the executive and legislative branches, such that the Assembly is beginning to adopt a more dignified appearance. He noted significant achievements, including infrastructural upgrades, human capacity development, and improvements in office equipment.
During the plenary, House members took turns to celebrate the Honorable Speaker for his wisdom and leadership qualities in carrying everyone along, irrespective of party affiliation.
Many members highlighted how, during his inauguration ceremony as Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeze emphasized the importance of focusing on “๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐,” urging them to prioritize the collective good of the state above partisan interests.
Following the plenary session, the celebration continued with a special thanksgiving service at the Assembly Complex, officiated by the Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim.
The service attracted numerous dignitaries, including the State Governor represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, lawmakers, government functionaries, traditional rulers, and people from various walks of life.
Earlier in his sermon, Most Reverend Ibezim congratulated the 8th Assembly and its leader, Rt. Hon. Udeze, for their achievements within the past year. He emphasized that these milestones underscored the Assembly’s crucial role in shaping the state’s political journey. Archbishop Ibezim praised the Assembly’s legislative productivity and urged them to continue working for the state’s progress.
The Speaker concluded by reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to its legislative agenda and encouraged the people of Anambra to engage with the House on issues requiring legislative intervention. He expressed optimism about the Assembly’s future contributions to making Anambra a livable and prosperous state.
As the Assembly celebrates this milestone, it remains undaunted in its resolve to be the best state legislature in Nigeria by June 2027, striving to create a better Anambra for Ndi Anambra.
