Anambra 8th Assembly celebrates one year in office with special plenary, thanksgiving service
By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu
Anambra State 8th House of Assembly has held a special plenary and thanksgiving service to commemorate it's one year in office as the State Legislature.
The special events took place on June 12 at the state legislative chambers and at the premises of the state legislature, Awka respectively with the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka, Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim officiated at the service.
The service attracted dignitaries including the state governor, Prof. Charles Soludo who was ably represented at the event by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim. Others included Chief of Staff Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, present and ex-lawmakers, traditional rulers, APGA party Chieftains, government functionaries and people from all walks of life.
Speaking during the special session, Governor Charles Soludo congratulated members of the 8th Assembly on their one year anniversary.
The governor represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim said the legislators have been partnering with his administration to ensure the development strides in the State.
According to the governor, we are poised for a greater Anambra and I recall that it is on Vision 2070 that this administration is anchored on.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary expressed gladness that members of the 8th State Assembly have embarked on meaningful constituency projects and empowerment programmes in their various constituencies.
Udeze added that through oversight duties, the lawmakers have repositioned a lot of government ministries, agencies and departments for optimal productivity.
The speaker disclosed that the greatest achievement of the 8th Assembly was the spirit of oneness and love with which they had been discharging their duties in the collective interest of the citizenry, that made them excelled in their lawmaking as well as constituency relations and oversight functions.
He stated that the 8th Assembly has been able to pass fourteen Bills and over Sixty people–oriented and development-driven resolutions which have positive impact on the lives of Ndi Anambra.
"Out of the fourteen Bills passed, Mr. Governor, Prof.Charles Chukwuma Soludo has assented to eleven (11), which include Anambra State Electoral law, Anambra State Touting Prohibition Law, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law, Health Facilities and Accreditation Agency Law, Anambra State Peace Building and Conflict Management Agency Law, Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission Law and Anambra State Market Safety and Protection Law.
"Others are Trafficking in Person Prohibition Law, Anambra State Revenue Administration Consolidation and Harmonization Law, Anambra State Private Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery Law and the Law to amend the Anambra State House of Assembly Service Commission.
He commended Governor Charles Soludo for providing the 8th State Assembly with an enabling environment to work by rehabilitating the Assembly complex and offices in addition to the ongoing landscaping of the premises.
While thanking Ndi Anambra for their massive supports to the 8th Assembly, the speaker assured that in accordance with the vision, mandate and agenda of the 8th Assembly, they would continue to strive to be the best state legislature in Nigeria, champion the interest of the people of the state through effective, accountable, independent and responsible representation.
He however, prayed God to continue to strengthen and confirm them in all goodness as well as the enablement to record more achievements in the remaining years of their legislative service to Ndi Anambra.
It could be recalled that the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly was inaugurated on June 12, 2023 for a tenure of four years having won elections in their various constituencies across the state.
The lawmakers in their sperate speeches at the special plenary expressed happiness over their enormous achievement and cordial relationship throughout their one year in law making process, saying that they have no regrets becoming lawmakers and unanimously electing Mr Udeze as their Speaker.
They commended the governor and the speaker for carrying every member along irrespective of political party affiliations and support to the House, as well as their constituents for given them the opportunity to serve them.
The legislators highlighted some of their achievements at the state legislature as well as their constituencies, describing the 8th Assembly as robust and cordial.
They posited that the House of Assembly had in the last one year witnessed an exemplary and purposeful leadership.
The lawmakers therefore, pledged their total support and good collaboration to ensure that the state witnessed unprecedented turnaround in line with the Governor Soludo policy thrust of evolving a liveable prosperous homeland.
In an interview, Mr Innocent Ojike, representing Oyi constituency, praised the Speaker for inclusive leadership. As Chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Commerce, he highlighted their efforts to engage market stakeholders, ensuring peace and harmonized levies. He emphasized their oversight role in ensuring revenue collection transparency.
Ojike reflected on his first year in office, citing empowerment of youths with shuttle buses and motorcycles, and attraction of developmental projects to his constituency. He urged continued support for Governor Soludo's administration, working together with the Legislative arm to deliver democracy dividends.
Earlier in his sermon, Most Reverend Ibezim congratulated the 8th Assembly and its leader for their achievement in the past one year, noting that the remarkable milestones underscores the Assembly's crucial role in shaping the state's infrastructural and economic development of the state.
Ibezim challenged Udeze led-8th Assembly to continue to achieve excellence in legislative duties, saying good laws cannot ensure development but must be backed up by meaningful development.
He urged the lawmakers to continue working in cordial relationship with the executive for the betterment and the overall development of the State.
* Agunwa, Okeke and Abugu
are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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