The Anambra State House of Assembly has disclosed that legislative measures aimed at extending the tenure of local government officials to four years and regulating house rents and agency fees across the state are currently underway.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, made the disclosure on Wednesday during a media briefing at his office in Awka to mark the third anniversary of the 10th Anambra State House of Assembly.
Udeze said the Assembly was closely monitoring developments regarding the proposed constitutional amendment on local government administration at the national level, noting that the state legislature would act promptly once the amendment becomes effective.
“We are awaiting the outcome of the constitutional amendment process concerning local government administration. Once it is concluded, the Anambra State House of Assembly will not hesitate to take the necessary legislative steps in compliance with the new provisions,” he said.
The Speaker, however, commended the existing local government administration law in Anambra State, describing it as a model that has fostered strong collaboration between the state government and the 21 local government councils.
According to him, the law has enhanced harmonious and simultaneous development across the state by clearly defining administrative responsibilities and strengthening cooperation between both tiers of government.
Speaking on the proposed rent control legislation, Udeze clarified that the bill was not merely about fixing rents but also addressing the activities of property agents and other challenges within the housing sector.
“The rent control law is receiving finishing touches. It is not just about rent control; it will also address issues relating to agents and other practices in the housing sector. We are optimistic that when it comes into effect, it will bring relief to residents and restore sanity to the system,” he stated.
The Speaker also used the occasion to restate the independence of the legislature, insisting that the Anambra State House of Assembly was not a rubber-stamp institution.
“The House is independent, but not autonomous. We work in synergy with the executive arm in the overall interest of the people, but that does not mean we merely endorse every proposal placed before us,” he said.
Reviewing the performance of the 10th Assembly over the past three years, Udeze expressed gratitude to God and commended lawmakers for their dedication to service.
He disclosed that more than 44 bills had been passed since the inauguration of the Assembly, describing the Anambra Homeland Security Law and the Local Government Administration Law as the most impactful legislations enacted under his leadership.
According to him, the security law has strengthened the state’s fight against crime and insecurity, while the local government administration law has enhanced grassroots governance and development across the state.
He said the Assembly had drawn lessons from previous legislative sessions while remaining focused on enacting laws and policies that would accelerate the state’s growth and development.
“This is not business as usual. We were elected to serve the people, and our focus has been on creating the right legal framework to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra State.
“We have every reason to celebrate our achievements. Our goal is to provide a conducive environment for progress and sustainable development. We are here to serve the people and ensure that Anambra continues on the path of growth,” Udeze added.
The Speaker maintained that the Assembly would continue to pursue people-oriented legislation aimed at improving governance, strengthening local government administration, enhancing security, and promoting the welfare of residents across the state.
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