By Vincent Ujumadu
AWKA—Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Somtochukwu Udeze, has recounted the rigorous process that led to the passage of the Anambra Homeland Law, saying lawmakers had to isolate themselves for weeks to properly deliberate and refine the legislation.
Speaking with journalists at the Assembly complex in Awka, Udeze said the lawmakers deliberately restricted their movements in order to focus on producing what he described as a “model law” aimed at addressing insecurity in the state.
He noted that the day before the bill was passed, there were threats from various quarters, while some individuals allegedly vowed to challenge the legislature in court.
According to him, some lawmakers were initially apprehensive, but he encouraged them to proceed, insisting the law was in the best interest of the state.
“Before we enacted the law, the lawmakers went on sober reflection on what was happening in Anambra State. We found out that the only way we could tackle the problem of insecurity was to have a law,” he said.
Udeze said the enactment of the law eventually led to the establishment of the Agunechemba security outfit, which he credited with helping to improve security in the state.
He also said the law triggered renewed efforts against what he described as fake medical practitioners and fake religious leaders, adding that several stakeholders, including judges, commended the Assembly after its passage.
According to him, the legislation was designed to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s economic vision of making Anambra a preferred investment destination.
The Speaker also defended the state’s local government administration law, describing it as one of the most debated but impactful reforms passed by the Assembly.
He said the law introduced structural changes aimed at improving coordination among the three tiers of government, including the creation of a consolidated account system and the inclusion of an Accountant General for local governments.
Udeze added that while constitutional adjustments may still be needed in local government administration, the state had attempted to address practical governance gaps identified by court rulings.
He stressed that effective delivery of services such as primary healthcare and basic education requires cooperation among all tiers of government.
Udeze also reaffirmed the independence of the Anambra State House of Assembly, stating that while it works in synergy with the executive, it does not function as a rubber-stamp legislature.
He disclosed that the 10th Assembly has passed about 44 bills in the last three years, with more than half already signed into law.
“Although sometimes the opposition would want to find fault, at the end of the day they come to appreciate that it is for the good of the state,” he added.
