Members of Anambra State House of Assembly on Monday 5th May 2025, began a two day leadership retreat with the theme: The Legislature And State Development.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Anambra Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze in his speech at the
event held at the Agulu Lake Resort and conference center, said laws that will strengthen governance in the state has been passed.
Rt. Hon. Udeze stated that the legislatures and the executive has been working closely while maintaining its independence. He revealed that the 8th Assembly has worked hard and it is reflecting in the giant strides of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
” History will remember the 8th Assembly Assembly, not just for the quantity of laws passed, but for its qualities and lifes touched. This retreat is an opportunity to review our performance and set a target. Udeze said.
In his lecture, Former Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka who spoke on “Principles of collaborative governance, said the objective of the retreat is to reaffirm and deepen understanding of the constitutional responsibilities of State legislation, equip Honourable members with practical knowledge of modern lawmaking, oversight and committee work.
” Introduce low-cost, high-impact digital tools for legislative transparancy and citizen engagement.
” Share relevant examples of successful sub-national legislatures from Nigeria and comparable democracies.
” Build members capacity to leverage WhatsApp, Facebook and emerging tools like WhatsApp Channels for communication and Mobilisation
“Develop actionable steps towards improving the Assembly’s operational visibility, digital presence and public trust. Chidoka urged.
The former FRSC boss called for legislative-judicial harmony, stating that
laws must be written with constitutional clarity to avoid being struck down.
He maintained that engagement with legal drafters and judicial officers during key legislative reforms, improved case management and faster resolution of land and civil disputes is vital.
In his paper presentation titled “Law making and development of the state: reflection on some of the laws passed by the 8th Assembly since its inception”, the
former Clark of Anambra Assembly, Mr. Pius Udoh said for there to be development, good laws has to be made, applied and enforced fairly and consistently.
According to Udoh, transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness, monitoring and accessment and legal report are basic qualities.
” lawmaking should be open accessible to the public, allowing for scrutiny and participation.
” Lawmakers should be accountable for their legislative actions. They should explain their as being in public interest” Udoh said.
Speaking in an interview, Deputy Speaker Anambra Assembly and member representing Awka South two Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye said the retreat is an avenue to review their performances and its impact on the citizens. He revealed that as lawmakers, theough the lectures, they will be equipped to perform better.
On his part, the member representing Idemili South constituency, Hon. Ebuka Igwe said as lawmakers,it is important that they review their activities and improve were necessary. He revealed that ndi Anambra should expect more quality representation from the 8th Assembly.
Speaking on the essence of the retreat in an interview, the member representating Nnewi North Constituency, Hon. Augustine Ike said as lawmakers, the importance of public hearing can never be over emphasized. He maintained that availability is vatal as it will increase the channel of getting feedback and improve representation.
The Majority Leader and Member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme while speaking with House Correspondents said the retreat is timely as it will give the lawmakers an opportunity to rethink and restrategize in performing their duties better by enacting quality laws.
Member representing Anambra East Constituency, Hon. Obi Nweke while speaking with reporters, maintained that the retreat has provided an opportunity for the 8th Assembly to re-examine its performance and improve were necessary in giving ndi Anambra the best legislative.
