In Anambra Assembly, the ‘Ayes’ always ‘Have it’ -By Chima Christian

The conviviality between the Legislative and Executive arms of Anambra State Government is beyond healthy. This has to be queried.

A situation where both is at each other’s throat is not ideal but what obtains at the moment goes against the unvarnished thinking behind the principle of separation of powers.

This House of Assembly had two readings of the 2021 draft budget in one day, and, without the benefit of a rigorous legislative exercise, passed the bill into law in a record five weeks!

Prior to this legislative firemanship, I’m aware of at least two government agencies that were newly created by act of parliament where there are more than sufficient reasons to believe the parliament didn’t do due diligence.

Outside this Assembly’s routine dissolution into electoral college every three months to elect nominees of the State Governor into various Local Government Councils, the manner it handles executive bills and other matters relating to the Governor with certain dispatch and reverence is revealing.

There exists assertive, smart and independent-minded men and women elected to serve in this present Anambra State House of Assembly. Individually, these few command my respect. Collectively, this Assembly, through its actions, is increasingly turning itself into a mere department in the office of the Executive Governor.

I call on our state lawmakers to ignore petty considerations, find their voices and use it to serve the interests of the people.

The leadership of Anambra’s leading opposition party should be persuaded to invite its members in this House of Assembly to call to mind the fact that they’re supposed to serve at the pleasure of the people, not the governor.

Moreso, Anambra electorate should deeply reflect on the merits of having a seemingly one party state.

In Anambra Assembly, the “ayes” always “have it,” and it is worrying.

*Chima Christian*