Anambra lawmakers locked themselves away for weeks to craft homeland security law — Speaker

Anambra State lawmakers literally locked themselves up for weeks to craft the state's new homeland security law, Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze has revealed.

Speaking with journalists at the Assembly complex in Awka, Udeze said the legislators deliberately restricted their movements to focus on producing what he called a "model law" aimed at tackling insecurity. The day before the bill passed, there were threats from various quarters, and some individuals allegedly vowed to challenge the Assembly in court.

"Before we enacted the law, the lawmakers went on sober reflection on what was happening in Anambra State. We found out that the only way we could tackle the problem of insecurity was to have a law," Udeze said.

Some lawmakers were initially nervous about the pushback, but the Speaker encouraged them to proceed, insisting the law was in the state's best interest.

The legislation eventually led to the creation of the Agunechemba security outfit, which Udeze credited with helping improve security across Anambra. It also triggered renewed efforts against fake medical practitioners and fake religious leaders — a crackdown that's been widely reported in recent months.

Udeze said several stakeholders, including judges, commended the Assembly after the law was passed. He noted that the legislation was designed to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo's economic vision of turning Anambra into a preferred investment destination.

The Speaker also defended the state's local government administration law, describing it as one of the most debated but impactful reforms passed by the 10th Assembly. That law introduced structural changes including a consolidated account system and the creation of an Accountant General for local governments. These moves aimed at improving coordination among the three tiers of government.

Udeze acknowledged that constitutional adjustments may still be needed in local government administration, but said the state had tried to address practical governance gaps identified by court rulings. He stressed that effective delivery of services like primary healthcare and basic education requires cooperation among all tiers of government.

On the Assembly's independence, Udeze insisted it doesn't function as a rubber-stamp legislature, even though it works in synergy with the executive. He disclosed that the 10th Assembly has passed about 44 bills in the last three years, with more than half already signed into law.

"Although sometimes the opposition would want to find fault, at the end of the day they come to appreciate that it's for the good of the state," he added.