By OGEMDI OZOEMENAM, Awka
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has secured approval for the establishment of an Army brigade in Anambra State as part of efforts to boost internal security in the state.
He noted that hundreds or up a thousand soldiers will be in Anambra very soon resident in a barrack to be so established.
“Yesterday, I received a delegation of the Nigerian Army trying to set up a brigade. That has been approved and will be established. They will be building their barracks here and hundreds or up a thousand soldiers will be here very soon.”
The Governor announced this in Awka during the Third Anniversary of the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly which coincided with June 12 democracy day, on Friday.
While reflecting on Nigeria’s 27-year democratic journey, Governor Soludo who acknowledged improvements in electoral processes, maintained that preservation of the Nation’s democracy, requires hard work and conscientious commitment from all citizens amidst challenges of development.
Prof Soludo maintained that despite its imperfections, the current democratic system remains far better than alternative forms of governance and should be preserved at all cost.
Governor Soludo appreciated the 8th Assembly as one of the most productive in the state’s history, stressing that the passage of the Local Government Administration Law has strengthened grassroots governance, improved fiscal stability, and enabled the clearance of gratuity arrears owed to retirees, while the Homeland Security Law, has reinforced the state’s security architecture.
Earlier in his address, the Speaker Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze said the 8th Assembly under his watch made impressive progress in the last three years including enacting 45 Laws and considering over 90 motions geared towards strengthening governance and enhancing development in the State.
“This achievement was made possible because we deliberately built confidence in the legislative process and created an environment where good ideas can become laws, irrespective of where they originate.
“Among the landmark legislations of this Assembly is the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law, which provided practical solutions following the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy. The law strengthened local government administration, created the Office on the Local Government Accountant-General, and provided mechanisms to ensure that workers, teachers, and other beneficiaries receive their entitlements promptly.
“We also enacted the Homeland Security Law after deep reflection on the security challenges confronting our State. We were convinced that a sustainable response to insecurity required a strong legal framework.Today, that law remains one of the pillars supporting our collective efforts to restore peace end security across Anambra.
“Other notable legislations include the Anambra State Economic Planning and Development Law, The Appropriation Law, and several other enactments aimed at promoting good governance,economic growth, and social development.
“Our Legislative Agenda has provided a clear roadmap for our activities and strengthened our partnership with the Executive Arm of Government. We have maintained a cordial and productive working relationship with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and his administration.While respecting the principle of separation of powers, we have continued to work together in pursuit of our shared vision of a livable and prosperous homeland,” Rt Hon Udeze concluded.
