By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has denied allegations that the house members are rubber stamps, emphasizing the assembly’s commitment to working harmoniously with the executive.
Udeze made this assertion during a press briefing to mark his two years in office as Speaker.
“We are not rubber stamps,” Udeze declared. “We are cooperating and working with the executive harmoniously.”
He added that the misconception about the assembly being rubber stamps often arises when the house is quiet.
“When the house is quiet, people call us rubber stamps. If there is no war, why prepare for it?,” Udeze said
Udeze highlighted the assembly’s productivity, citing the passage of 31 bills into law, including executive and private member bills, as well as 72 resolutions.
He listed notable legislations passed by house to include the Local Government Election Law, the Homeland Law, which has brought about significant changes, and the Electricity Bill.
He emphasized that the house’s role extends beyond just passing laws, underscoring the sacrifices members make to ensure impactful legislation.
The Speaker commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for the renovations carried out in the Legislative Complex, demonstrating a strong working relationship between the two arms of government.
Udeze noted that the assembly’s independence is a work in progress, but their collaborative efforts with the executive are geared towards serving the people of Anambra State.
The assembly’s legislative vision and agenda, he stressed, are designed to serve the overall interest of the people.
