Anambra 8th Assembly Marks First-year Anniversary With A Special Thanksgiving Service

Anambra State 8th Assembly has marked its one year anniversary with a special thanksgiving service at the State Legislative Chamber in Awka, the State capital. 

The service was officiated by the Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim.

During his sermon, Reverend Ibezim congratulated the 8th Assembly members and the Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, for their achievements within the past year. He also praised the assembly’s legislative productivity and urged them to continue working for the state’s progress.

“These milestones underscore the Assembly’s crucial role in shaping the state’s political journey,” he said.

The service attracted numerous dignitaries, including the State Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Chief of Staff Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, former lawmakers, government functionaries, traditional rulers, and people from various walks of life.

In his address, the Speaker of the eight Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, highlighted the Assembly’s accomplishments despite the challenges associated with lawmaking.

 

The Speaker disclosed that under his leadership, the Assembly recorded eighty percent attendance rate across the 59 plenary sessions from July 2023 to 2024.

He emphasized the lawmakers’ responsiveness to the needs of their constituencies.

“This assembly has successfully passed laws that will shape government policies and ensure the well-being of Ndi Anambra”, he said.

Trust and belief

Earlier in the day, a plenary was held where the members of the 8th Assembly in their separate speeches commended their constituents for giving them the opportunity to represent them.

The legislators stated that the 8th Assembly embodies true unity irrespective of party affiliation. They thanked the Governor and the Speaker for their leadership qualities and
support to the Assembly.

They also commended their constituents for trusting and believing in them with the mandate to represent them, assuring them that they will not disappoint.

The Speaker, in his speech said the Assembly’s greatest achievement is the spirit of unity and love in their legislative duties for the benefit of the citizens.

Udeze at the plenary, stated that the 8th Assembly has excelled in lawmaking, constituency relations, and oversight functions, having passed 14 bills, eleven of which have been signed into law.

He also disclosed that the House has recorded over 60 people-oriented and development-driven resolutions and that lawmakers have attracted significant projects through the state government.

Udeze expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his executive support of the Assembly and called on Nigerian leaders to reflect on the sacred services rendered by past heroes for the benefit of the masses.

The Speaker thanked Nigerians and leaders for their efforts in restoring democracy, which has ensured the rule of law, an improved legal system, justice, and respect for humanity.

”The greatest achievement of the 8th Assembly is the spirit of oneness and love with which we have been discharging our duties in the collective interest of the citizenry.

“We have excelled in our lawmaking as well as constituency relations and oversight functions.

“Out of the 14 Bills passed, Mr. Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has assented to eleven.

”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 include; 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.

“I am also glad that members of the 8th State Assembly have embarked on meaningful constituency projects and empowerment programmes in their various constituencies. Through our oversight duties, we have repositioned a lot of government ministries, agencies and departments for optimal productivity. Our working relationship with the Staff of the legislature is cordial and encouraging. We promise to do our best to achieve more robust industrial relations with the Assembly workers.

“I thank Mr. Governor, Prof. Chukwuma 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 the citizens for their massive supports to the 8th Assembly, it is my assurance that in accordance with the vision, mandate and agenda of the 8th Assembly, we shall 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.

“I pray God to continue to strengthen and confirm us in all goodness and give us the enablement to record more achievements in the remaining years of our Legislative service to Anambra” Udeze said.

The lawmakers emphasized the significance of the one-year mark, adding that the House is now highly regarded.

They highlighted their achievements in both the chamber and their constituencies, describing the 8th Assembly as robust while commending the Governor for demonstrating capacity in serving the people of the state across all sectors.

The house adjourned plenary to reconvene on Tuesday 18th June 2024.

Congratulating the Assembly, the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, on behalf of traditional rulers adjudged the assembly to have done well, through peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship, led by the speaker.

 

 

 

 

Emmanuel Ukoh