Member representing Ogbaru II Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly , Hon. Udemze Somto Chukwu, has been elected Speaker of the 8th Assembly.
The legislators of the state House of Assembly unanimously elected him Speaker.
Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, attended the election and inauguration of elected legislators at the State House of Assembly Complex in Awka.
Member representing Awka South II Constituency,
Okoye Chukwuma Pius, was also elected Deputy Speaker.
In his address, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude for the smooth manner in which the election was conducted.
He congratulated the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and all newly elected members who were members-elect only a few hours ago.
The Governor observed that the ceremony of swearing in and administering the oath of office and allegiance marked a turning point in the effort to create a livable and prosperous Anambra.
Mr. Governor emphasized that a new successful partnership has emerged and that he only sees a new team for a new Anambra.
“We all share the same ambition and goal. Four political parties are represented in this Assembly, but we are all employees of the people to serve and carry out their will, together with the Executive and Judiciary for the goal of One Anambra, one people and one agenda.
“It’s like a vehicle, whichever political party it was that brought you to this hallowed chamber. You leave the car in the parking lot before entering the assembly. Project Anambra is the only political party that unites us, Governor Soludo stated.
The governor maintained that in order to serve the people of Anambra, the three arms of government must cooperate.
He emphasized that, indeed, it is a call to duty and that, given the delicate nature of the state and the fact that the needs of the people cannot wait, there is no time to waste in merriment.
“We hope that the eighth assembly will be the most productive one ever held in Nigeria.
“To provide a livable and prosperous Anambra, we have a comprehensive list of legislative frameworks.
“I can sense the energy in this chamber, and I’m asking you all to keep it up so that this Assembly can grow for the benefit of the state.
“We are the light of the nation, and that light will never go out. Reread your oath of office and allegiance and paste it on your walls at home, advised Soludo.
In his acceptance speech, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Udemze Somto Chukwu, assured Governor Soludo that the House is duly constituted and ready to receive communication from the Executive.
He lauded the governor for his efforts to further the development of the state and asked House members to stick together regardless of their membership in other political parties.
Mr Speaker acknowledged that eight members were completely competent for the post of speaker, but nonetheless pledged to uphold the members of the house and urged them to prepare for the huge task that lay ahead.
He emphasized that the legislature can only function well when it is in unity with the executive, and vowed that, under his leadership, legislative intentions in the areas of insecurity, young unemployment, road infrastructure, and other urgent issues would be met.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Okwy Igwegbe,
APGA National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, Members of the State Executive Council amongst others attended the event.