The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has said he would inaugurate the 7thAssembly of Anambra State House of Assembly on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 which is now Nigeria’s official democracy day.
According to the Clerk, Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Pius Udoh, the governor conveyed his readiness to inaugurate the 7th Assembly in a letter he addressed to the legislative chamber.
Udoh, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists, shortly after a mock legislative business was held for the incoming lawmakers, explained that the state executive had duly trained the lawmakers in a three day workshop/orientation held last week.
The training, according to him, would help to acquainted the about to be inaugurated lawmakers with all they need to know about legislative business. The 6th Assembly, it was learnt, would windup on Monday or Thursday.
The Speaker of the outgoing 6th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu, in her good will message to the incoming legislators, advised them to live up to the theme of their workshop, Enhancing good governance through legislation, by striving to promote good governance through quality legislation.
Maduagwu said that three cardinal functions or duties of a legislator were lawmaking, representation and oversight responsibility, which if fully exercised, give rise to the overall good governance of the state
She said, “As legislators-elect, you should bear in mind that a lot are required from you to ensure that the citizenry and your constituents in particular benefit from your representation. You’re expected to carry your constituents along in everything that will enhance their living standard.
“Constituency relations via Town Hall meetings, empowerment programmes and constituency projects are very vital for the development of your various constituencies. Anambra residents have tested good laws from the 6th Anambra state House of Assembly and are looking forward to getting more quality laws from the Seventh Assembly.
“It is a task that must be fulfilled by these vibrant legislators-elect. You should ensure that your tenure as a member of the seventh assembly is utilised for good governance of the state. I wish you fruitful deliberations and urge you all to make good use of the workshop aimed at equipping you with legislative constents for effective performance.”
The 7th Assembly which consists of 30 members would be occupied by 6 members of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and 24 All Progressive’s Grand Alliance (APGA) faithful, according to the results announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the end of March 9, 2019 State House of Assembly polls held across the country.
Also, the 7th Assembly would be made up of one female legislator in the person of Hon. Beverly Ikpeazu of Onitsha South II constituency, reelected for a third term under APGA, unlike the 6th Assembly comprised of 6 women legislators including the outgoing Speaker Maduagwu.
Among the 24 lawmakers elected under the APGA are two third-timers, nine second-timers and 13 green horns; while the six PDP members are three new and three second timers.
Although it was not yet clear on who shall become the Speaker of the 7th Assembly, all eyes are on Anambra South where the outgoing Speaker hails from since governor Obiano and his Deputy, Nkem Okeke are from Anambra North and Anambra South respectively.
