Anambra lawmakers take steps to overhaul outdated legislation and archaic military decrees

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By Vincent Ujumadu

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The Anambra State House of Assembly has begun moves to review several state laws described as obsolete, particularly those inherited from the military era.

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Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, said some of the affected laws were never fully domesticated into democratic statutes, while others may no longer align with obligations arising from international treaties ratified by Nigeria.

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Udeze explained that the review would cover laws relating to data protection, community development, environmental regulation and the rights of persons with disabilities, among others. He added that a committee would be set up to examine the legislation and recommend necessary reforms.

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The Speaker disclosed this while addressing lawmakers during a retreat aimed at strengthening the legislative agenda of the House.

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According to him, the retreat was convened to enable members outline clear legislative priorities and develop a roadmap for reviewing targeted laws before the end of the legislative year.

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He said the meeting also provided an opportunity for lawmakers to discuss new bills that could originate from within the Assembly and identify capacity support required to ensure high legislative standards.

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At the retreat, a former Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Pius Udo, delivered a presentation on budget-driven oversight from an executive perspective. Professor M. Umenweke presented a paper on deepening democratic governance and constitutional reform, while the Deputy Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly spoke on budget-driven oversight from a legislative perspective.

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The retreat was held under the theme: “Strengthening Democratic Governance through Constitutional Reviews and Budgetary Oversight: The Role of State Legislatures.”

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