Anambra State House of Assembly Marks Two Years of Democratic Progress and Public-Centered Legislation

 

The 8th Anambra State House of Assembly has commemorated its second anniversary with a commemorative plenary session that coincided with Nigeria’s Democracy Day, reflecting on its achievements and reiterating its commitment to effective representation and good governance.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, addressing lawmakers and guests during the session, described the milestone as a pivotal moment not only to celebrate institutional growth but to evaluate the depth and reach of democratic practices in the state. According to him, the Assembly’s journey since its inauguration in 2023 has been marked by “transformational legislation, robust oversight, and inclusive representation.”

Over the past two years, the House has passed 31 significant laws, 30 of which have received the assent of Governor Charles Soludo. More than ten of these were private member bills — an indication of an open, participatory legislature where every voice matters and the business of lawmaking transcends partisan or executive influence.

Among the most impactful of the statutes is the Anambra State Electricity Law, which lays a new legal foundation for decentralized power generation and access. This, along with the Economic Planning Law and the Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission Law, represents a strategic legislative pivot towards equitable development and long-term sustainability. These legal instruments are expected to play vital roles in not just expanding energy access and stimulating local economies, but also ensuring fair treatment for oil-producing communities within the state.

During the session, Speaker Udeze underlined the fact that legislative success must go beyond the mere passage of laws. “These are not ceremonial accomplishments,” he said. “They are tools for real change — laws that have practical, immediate, and long-term implications for the people of Anambra.”

The Assembly’s resolve to strengthen peace and public safety has also found expression in community-centered programs. Initiatives such as Operation Udo Ga-achi and the Agunechemba Security Network were highlighted as direct beneficiaries of legislative support, with notable improvements in security and conflict resolution reported across affected localities. These grassroots engagements, backed by law and oversight, reflect the Assembly’s drive to restore peace and build a stable civic environment.

House committees have been central to this achievement. With 29 standing committees currently active, the legislature has deepened its oversight mandate, promoting transparency and accountability across various sectors. The reinvigorated Public Petitions Committee was spotlighted as a particularly effective mechanism for channeling citizen concerns into actionable government responses. From conducting budget reviews to inspecting ongoing capital projects, lawmakers have demonstrated an active commitment to responsible governance.

Technological advancement is next on the Assembly’s agenda. Plans are underway to digitize all legislative proceedings — a move that will not only modernize operations but also improve access for constituents and researchers. Alongside this, the proposed Legislative Service Commission complex is expected to serve as an administrative hub that enhances institutional capacity and professional development.

Civic engagement remains another frontier the House intends to expand. Speaker Udeze emphasized that enhancing feedback loops between lawmakers and the electorate will remain a key area of focus as the Assembly evolves. “We want governance to feel accessible, not abstract,” he declared.

Reflecting on the solemnity of the occasion, Speaker Udeze paid homage to individuals who have shaped the state’s legislative history. Special tribute was extended to the late Justice Azuka, former Speaker Anayo Nnebe, and three staff members who passed away in active service. “Their dedication continues to inspire us,” he said, as the chamber observed a moment of silence in their honor.

Acknowledgement was also given to Governor Charles Soludo, whom Udeze described as a “visionary leader and dependable partner.” The Governor’s collaborative approach, according to the Speaker, has provided fertile ground for the Assembly’s legislative success and accelerated the implementation of people-centered policies.

Lawmakers across party lines used the opportunity to reflect on the impact of their work within their respective constituencies. The Majority Leader, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme, and his Deputy, Dr. Jude Akpua, reaffirmed the House’s unwavering focus on the tripartite mandate of lawmaking, representation, and oversight.

The day’s proceedings concluded with a thanksgiving Mass led by Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, standing in for Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of the Awka Catholic Diocese. The spiritual ceremony offered a moment of solemn gratitude and renewal of purpose for the lawmakers, their aides, and the institution as a whole.

Speaker Udeze closed the session with a prayerful invocation for the state and the nation, reiterating that the Anambra State House of Assembly remains the bedrock of democratic governance in the state. “This House,” he said, “is not just a symbol of democracy, but its true engine room — alive, responsive, and ready for the future.”