Anambra Assembly to establish rent control law..... Udeze declares
By Chizoba Okeke
The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has announced that the state legislature is finalizing a Rent Control Law designed to regulate house rents, agency charges, and other activities within the housing sector.
Udeze made the disclosure on Wednesday, 10 June, during a media briefing at his office in Awka as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly.
According to the Speaker, the proposed legislation is aimed at addressing the growing concerns of tenants and landlords across the state while also bringing order to the activities of property agents.
"The Rent Control Law is receiving finishing touches. It is not just about rent regulation; it will also address issues relating to agents and other practices in the housing sector. We are optimistic that when it comes into effect, it will bring relief to residents and restore sanity to the system," Udeze stated.
Reflecting on the performance of the Assembly over the past three years, the Speaker expressed gratitude to God and commended members of the House for their dedication to legislative responsibilities, noting that the 8th Assembly has recorded remarkable achievements in advancing good governance and improving the welfare of Ndi Anambra.
He revealed that since its inauguration, the Assembly has passed about 45 bills, out of which 42 have received assent from Governor Chukwuma Soludo and become law.
"These include private members' bills and 22 executive bills. We have also considered over 90 motions and received more than 100 petitions from the public, with about 16 already resolved," he said.
Highlighting some of the landmark legislations enacted by the House, Udeze pointed to the Local Government Administration Law and the Homeland Security Law, describing them as transformative measures aimed at strengthening governance and enhancing security in the state.
He explained that the Local Government Administration Law was specifically enacted to reinforce local government autonomy and improve financial accountability through a consolidated account management system.
Addressing public perceptions about the legislature's relationship with the executive arm of government, the Speaker dismissed claims that the Assembly functions as a rubber-stamp institution.
"The House is independent, but not autonomous. We work in synergy with the Executive arm in the overall interest of the people, but that does not mean we merely endorse every proposal placed before us," he emphasized.
On security, Udeze noted that the Homeland Security Law emerged from extensive legislative scrutiny and was introduced as part of efforts to address prevailing security challenges in Anambra State.
The Speaker attributed much of the Assembly's success to the cordial working relationship between the legislature and the executive under the Soludo administration's "One State, One Agenda" policy.
He further disclosed plans by the Assembly to modernize its operations through digital transformation initiatives, including the establishment of a digital library, deployment of technology-driven legislative tools, and construction of an additional administrative block.
Udeze also advocated improved welfare packages and continuous capacity-building programmes for legislative staff and lawmakers, especially newly elected members.
Expressing confidence in the future of the state, the Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to deepening democracy, encouraging citizens' participation in lawmaking, and enacting people-oriented legislation that will accelerate development across Anambra.
"This is not business as usual. We were elected to serve the people, and our focus has been on creating the right legal framework to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo's vision of transforming Anambra State.
"We have every reason to celebrate our achievements. Our goal is to provide a conducive environment for progress and sustainable development. We are here to serve the people and ensure that Anambra continues on the path of growth," Udeze added.
The proposed Rent Control Law, when enacted, is expected to provide a legal framework for regulating rental practices, protecting tenants from arbitrary charges, and promoting fairness and transparency within Anambra State's housing sector.
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