On Thursday, members of the Anambra State 8th House of Assembly marked two years in office, in an event attended by close friends and associates of the Assembly and members. In his address to mark the second anniversary at the Anambra State House of Assembly complex, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze said that the Assembly is not a rubber stamp. Responding to allegations that the House of Assembly is a mere appendage of the executive arm of government led by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Speaker said that contrary to that insinuation, which has no bearing in reality, the 8th Assembly has been robust in the last two years and is not a rubber stamp. Speaking further, Hon. Udeze said that most times, what people interpret as a responsive and independent House of Assembly is a situation where the legislature and the executive conflict. This, according to the Speaker, does not reflect the aspirations of the Anambra people because there will be no progress when there is a political crisis. The House of Assembly members who were sworn in on June 12th, 2023, now have only two more years before their tenure of 4 years elapses.
Speaking, the House members present praised the leadership of the Speaker and the governor during plenary, while also highlighting what they have done for their various constituencies in the last two years. Hon. Augustine Ike, the House of Assembly member representing Nnewi North Constituency, in his remarks, paid tribute to Hon. Justice Azuka, a serving member of the House who was murdered by kidnappers. Hon. Ike also paid tribute to late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, while also asking the governor to give higher consideration to House members because they are a true reflection of the aspirations of their constituents. On his part, Hon. Chidi Ibemeka, the member representing Njikoka 1 constituency, narrated his achievements, including a smart school project, education and health intervention programmes, and a skill acquisition center, among many others. Similarly, Hon. Paul Obu, the House of Assembly member representing Orumba North constituency, narrated his interventions in the health sector, including renovation of Primary Health Centers, medical outreaches, and empowerment for his constituents, among many others. Also, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly took time to outline his programmes and impactful representation in the last two years, which cut across all sectors, including infrastructure, capacity building, and empowerment of constituents.
The House of Assembly formerly marked the 2nd anniversary, and the event was well-attended by former House members, including Hon. Amala Anazodo, the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of APGA, Hon. Edward Ibuzo, the former Clerk of the House, Mr. Pius Udoh, and many others. Several members of the executive and the judicial arm of the State Government were in attendance.
The Anambra State 8th House of Assembly will bow out exactly in two years, and usher in the 9th Assembly on the 12th of June, 2027.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.