It was a new breath of fresh air as the member representing Ogbaru 2 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Somtochukwu Udeze emerged Speaker following the proclamation. The legislators unanimously elected and affirmed him through a voice vote.
Governor Soludo during the inauguration expressed gratitude for the smooth manner the election was conducted. He congratulated the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and all the newly elected members, observing that the swearing-in ceremony and administering the oath of office and allegiance marked a turning point in his administration’s effort to create the livable and prosperous Anambra.
The Governor emphasized that with the reconstitution of the Assembly; a new partnership has emerged who will form a team for a prosperous 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.
Professor Soludo maintained that in order to serve the people of Anambra, the three arms of government must cooperate. He emphasized that 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”, the Governor advised. In his acceptance speech, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, assured Governor Soludo that the House is duly constituted and ready to receive communication from the Executive.
He lauded the governor for his efforts aimed at developing the state and urged the members to glue together, regardless of political party affiliation. Speaker Udeze acknowledged that according to their schedule, eight members were qualified for the speakership position, assuring that for the confidence reposed in him, he will not disappoint.
He urged them to prepare for the huge task that lies ahead of them, pointing out that the legislature can only function well when it is in unity with the executive, affirming that under his leadership, legislative intentions in the areas of insecurity, youth unemployment, road infrastructure, and other urgent issues would be met.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, APGA National Chairman, Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, Members of the State Executive Council, the Traditional institution, among others attended the event.
