The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has promised that the 8th Assembly will be the best in the history of the State.
The speaker made the assertion during the first meeting he held with the staff of the Assembly recently at the legislative building in Awka, the State capital. He also affirmed his readiness to partner and work with them to bring about the desired change.
“What will make the speaker work is the partnership and relationship we are going to share.
“Speakership will last for four years but the friendship and partnership in developing this institution is the memory that would last forever.
“We have 22 new members in the 8th Assembly. There is need to adjust from the old pattern of doing things so that the House can function optimally.
“That 8th Assembly will be the best in the history of Anambra State House of Assembly lies with the staff; for us to succeed, we need the support of the members of staff.
“The hardship in the country might have changed your mindset and attitude to work but I believe that change will come. I believe in God and there is need to involve him in all we do.
“I want us to bring out a day for prayer once a week to lay a good foundation.
“Also, I promise that every day I will be in the office before 10 a.m. And my office is open for suggestions that would add value to the State Assembly.
“There is also the need for workers to come to work every day and early too, as there is an acceptable rule in civil service that civil servants must come to work everyday.
“If for any reason, a staff won’t come to the office or wants to leave the office before dismissal, the head of administration and department should know and give their permission.
“I will create a platform where I will reward staff that work in this institution. I want to motivate you to come to work early and work hard.
“I believe if the staff support the principal officers to work the way they are supposed to work, it would attract the interest of the Governor; and whatever we ask for will be met.
“I know we don’t have working equipment like computers. It’s a challenge which I believe by God’s grace we will be able to sort them out.
“I urge you to show dedication to work. There is always a reward for that. I guarantee that whatever rightly belongs to us must be looked into,” he said.
The speaker emphasized that it will not be business as usual, as plenary sessions would be three times a week and would commence by 10 a.m every plenary day.
The Majority Leader Mr Ofodeme commended the speaker, urging the staff to support them even as he advised the staff to be respectful, focused and not be distracted.
Mr Ofodeme while assuring the staff of his commitment toward the betterment of the institution also urged them to be passionate with their work.
The Acting Clerk Mrs Esther Anetoh appreciated the speaker, assuring him of their readiness to work with him.
She admonished the members of staff to be respectful, obedient and committed to their duty.
The Acting Deputy Clerk, Barrister (Mrs) Cynthia Idemobi commended the speaker and also thanked him for giving hope to staff while pledging their support.
The Chairman of Parliamentary Staff Association, Anambra State Chapter, Mr Abraham Okoye, thanked the speaker and enumerated some of the challenges facing the staff.
Mr Okoye, among other things, emphasized the need to train and retrain members of staff, especially the committee secretaries and also pledged their support to the speaker and the principal officers.
The Majority Leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo); Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Jude Akpua (Njikoka II); Deputy Chief Whip, Mr Patrick Udoba (Anambra West); and Mr Muobike Anthony (Aguata II), among others, accompanied the speaker.
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