The Anambra State House of Assembly has identified several state laws as outdated and in urgent need of review.
Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, made this known while delivering his opening remarks at a four-day retreat for the leadership and members of the 8th Assembly holding in Asaba.
Udeze said a number of existing laws in the state were enacted many years ago and have become obsolete, stressing that the legislature is determined to update them to reflect present-day realities.
According to him, some of the laws were originally derived from military decrees and were never properly domesticated within a democratic legal framework, while others are inconsistent with international conventions ratified by Nigeria.
He further noted that several of the laws no longer align with the demands of a modern digital society.
Among those identified for possible review are laws relating to data protection, community development, environmental regulation, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Speaker explained that a special committee had already been set up to examine such laws and recommend necessary amendments or reforms.
Udeze added that the retreat was organised to help lawmakers outline concrete legislative priorities and develop a clear roadmap for their activities before the end of the legislative year.
According to him, the exercise is expected to guide members on the specific laws they intend to review, the new bills they plan to originate within the House, and the capacity-building support required to ensure the highest legislative standards.
Expert presentations
The retreat also featured presentations by resource persons drawn from legislative institutions.
A former Clerk of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Pius Udo, delivered a lecture on Budget-Driven Oversight from an Executive Perspective.
Another former Clerk of the Assembly, M. Umenweke, presented a paper titled Deepening Democratic Governance and Constitutional Reform.
In addition, the Deputy Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly spoke on Budget-Driven Oversight: A Legislative Perspective.
Correspondents report that the retreat is themed “Strengthening Democratic Governance through Constitutional Reviews and Budgetary Oversight: The Role of State Legislatures.”
Participants are expected to use the forum to strengthen legislative capacity and improve the effectiveness of the Assembly’s lawmaking and oversight functions.
