Members of the Anambra State House of Assembly are currently in Asaba, Delta State, for a four-day legislative retreat aimed at strengthening democratic governance and improving legislative performance in the state.
The retreat is focused on the theme: “Strengthening Democratic Governance through Constitutional/Law Reviews and Budgetary Oversight: The Role of State Legislatures.”
Declaring the retreat open, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, said the programme was organised to deepen the capacity of lawmakers in lawmaking, constitutional review, and effective oversight of government activities.
Rt. Hon. Udeze noted that the legislature plays a critical role in strengthening democracy, stressing that the retreat would provide members with the opportunity to critically examine existing laws, enhance their understanding of legislative procedures, and improve their ability to monitor budget implementation for the benefit of the people.
Also present at the retreat was the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, other lawmakers, and legislative officials, who affirmed their support for the initiative and commended the Anambra State House of Assembly for prioritising legislative capacity development.
Participants, including the member representing Aguata Constituency One, Honourable Anayo Okpalaeke; Honourable Tony Muobike, representing Aguata Constituency Two; the Majority Leader, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme; Barrister Obi Nweke of Anambra East; and Honourable Noble Igwe, representing Ogbaru Constituency One, among others, engaged in discussions on constitutional and legal reviews, legislative best practices, effective budget monitoring, and strategies for strengthening democratic governance at the state level.
The four-day retreat is bringing together lawmakers and facilitators to deliberate on ways to improve legislative performance and governance outcomes in Anambra State.
