The plenary session on Thursday started with an opening prayer led by the honorable speaker Uche Okafor, he welcomed everyone present at the plenary.
At the kick off of the plenary the speaker Uche Okafor acknowledge the presence of the chief of staff to the governor of Anambra State, Mr Earnest Ezeajughi.
Hon Boniface Okonkwo former representative of Awka North constituency and Hon Rebecca Udoji also former representative of Awka North constituency were present and recognized in Anambra State house of assembly today.
Mr Mike Okoye a one time commissioner for budget and planning was also present at the plenary.
The votes and proceedings of the last plenary was checked, carried and signed.
Honorable speaker Uche Okafor reads a letter from the governor Prof Charles Soludo, the letter was dated 5th April 2022.
The letter reads ” confirmation of nominee for the post of honorable commissioner, special duties. The name of Ezeokenwa Sylvester Ifebuche was forwarded as honorable commissioner designate special duties, representing Onitsha south Local government.
Anambra Assembly was requested to consider and confirm the nominated name Ezeokenwa Sylvester Ifebuche as appropriate.
The letter was referred to the house Committee on screening for proper work.
Meanwhile Hon dike Nnamdi Umeh member representing Aguata 1 constituency decamped from APC to his formal party APGA.
He tendered apology to all APGA caucus and to the governor for formally decamping to APC he said that there’s no justification for his action.
He regrettably voiced that it was a mistake but he is back home and promise to join hands in making APGA great.
Hon Okechukwu Okoye member representing Aguata 2 constituency expressed his happiness in receiving back his brother from Aguata to APGA party.
He said with honorable Dike Umeh joining back to APGA there will be dividend of democracy in Anambra state.
Honorable Paschal Agbodike member representing Ihiala 2 constituency moved a motion that the report of house of assembly screening committee for the screening of commissioner’s designate be presented to the Anambra State assembly chamber.
Hon Onyebuchi Augustine Offor member representing Ekwusigo constituency seconded the motion moved by Hon Paschal Agbodike
Hon Paschal Agbodike moved a motion for the consideration of the designated commissioner’s and Hon Pete Chima Ibida member representing Njikoka 2 constituency seconded the motion.
Anambra Assembly resolved to a committee of a whole for the consideration of the commissioner nominees.
The nominated commissioner’s were invited into the hallowed chamber of the Anambra State house of assembly.
The Chairman of house Committee on screening and election matter’s in his submission listed the names and portfolios the nominated commissioner’s by the governor as follows.
Mr Ifeatu Chinedu Onejeme – finance, Prof Offornze Amucheazi SAN – Lands,
Engr; Ifeanyi Okoma- Works and infrastructure, Miss Chiamaka Helen Nnaeke – Budget and economic planing, Dr Afam Ben Obidike – Health, Mr Patrick Agha MBA – Youth development, Mrs ifeyinwa Marycelline Obinabo- women and social welfare, Dr Obinna Chima Ngonadi – Commerce and industry, Engr Julius Mmelikam Chukwuemeka – power and water resources, Prof Ngozi Theresa Chuma Ude – Education, Mr Paul Nwosu – information, Dr Forster Ihejiofor – Agriculture, Barr, Mrs Patricia Ifeoma Igwebike – Transport, Engr Felix Chinedu Odimegwu- environment, Mr Chikodi Anara- Homeland affairs, Prof Mrs Sylvia Chika Ifemeje – Attorney general/ Justice, Mr Collins Anthony Nwabunwanne – local government chieftaincy and community affairs, Mr Donatus Nduka Onyenji – culture, entertainment and tourism,
Barr Anthony Okechukwu Ifeanya – Petroleum and mineral resources, Barr Paulinus Ifechukwu Onyeaka – Housing.
The committee in its submission by the Chairman Screening Committee (Hon Paschal Agbodike) observed that the commissioner designate were spread across local government area of the State.
They also stated that the answers of the nominees during the house Committee interview were satisfactory.
Mr chairman stressed further that the nominees are qualified in their respective portfolios.
The committee recommended that the nominated commissioner’s for the government of Anambra State be confirmed by the 7th Assembly.
Honorable Somtochukwu Udeze member representing Ogbaru 2 constituency asked the nominated commissioner’s for finance, Mr Ifeatu, what does he understand by the word variation in budgeting? As regards the approval by the state house of assembly?
In View of answering the question, he wants him to buttress more in the following points, at what point or time do he as a commissioner of finance think is necessary to approach the house of assembly for approval of variation?
What are the expectations of sanctions by the State house of assembly when there’s delay or fail to approach the house of assembly for approval.
He gave an accurate response to the questions posed at him.
And was confirmed immediately by the Anambra Assembly.
Hon Chidi Udemmadu member representing Ihiala 1 constituency asked the commissioner designate a question as regards to land documentation in the State.
So many land owners in Anambra State wants to have their lands covered as regards C of O but today much people have refrain from going to Lands for such documentation as regards huge financial attachment.
Considering the yearnings of Anambrarians to have their lands documented, what can he do for the documentation to be affordable?
Hon Chuka Ezenwune member representing Idemili south also asked what are the strategies of the designated commissioner in cobbing bribe and corruption in the ministry of lands and how will he recover government Lands.
He responded positively and the house of assembly confirmed his nomination as the commissioner for Lands.
Hon John Nwokoye member representing Awka North constituency trow a responsible question to the designated commissioner for works and infrastructure Engr Ifeanyi Okoma
To explain how the neglected areas of Anambra roads will be fixed stating mostly rural areas.
His response was good and he was confirmed by Anambra Assembly.
Honorable Obinna Chris Emenaka member representing Anambra east constituency asked miss Hellen that one of the characteristics of good budgeting is that which is transparent and realistic.
How do you plan in getting a transparent and realistic budget?
With her solid response she was confirmed the commissioner for budget and economic planing.
Much questions were pose to commissioner’s one after the other.
On the issue of converting PTA teacher’s the designated commissioner for education Prof. Ngozi Theresa Chuma-Umeh was asked why keep the unqualified PTA teacher’s
She answered that it is out of their choice that the non converted PTA teacher’s decided to stay. No one mandated them to stay.
After the consideration, interrogation and questioning all the nominees were confirmed by the Anambra Assembly.
The speaker Uche Okafor congratulated all the confirmed commissioner and wish them well as they assume duties after being sworn in by the governor
The date for the swearing in of the newly appointed commissioner’s is slated for Saturday the 9th day of April 2022 at exactly 9Am.
Hon Emeka Aforka moved a motion for adjournment to Tuesday 12 April 2022.
Hon Onyebuchi Augustine Offor member representing Ekwusigo constituency seconded the motion for adjournment.
