Not so honourable witt Anambra's 8th Assembly?

By Edozie Maduagwu

About the leaked shameful WhatsApp group chat of members of the 8th House of Assembly Anambra State, using uncouth and derogatory words against each other.*

The once revered and respected Anambra State House of Assembly that produced eminent legislators, men and women of great character who sponsored life changing bills,  served the public diligently with all their strength,  is fast becoming a distant apparition of it's former glory. The current set of legislatures is somewhat either still at loss as to what brought them there,  or still  smarting out from the lethargy of an election held two years ago.

In a recently leaked WhatsApp group chat, some members where seen hurling vitriols and venoms at each other, over what is now understood to be a mere disagreement, about how to wrest more funds and other perks from the governor.

With this show of shame, it is now glaring for all to see why some house members had failed individually to record any meaningful achievement since their swearing in. The house itself is dressed in tattered robes, as no other landmark legislation, aside the Homeland Security Bill, had come to life.  Already, political watchers had dismissed the composition of the current 8th assembly, describing it as a gathering of _“where belle face”_ politicians,  unrepentantly servile, and eager to rubber stamp every executive order or declaration,  lacking the tooth and tact to ensure the balance of power.

No other class of legislators in Anambra State comes close to the 6th Assembly, which paraded the best brains in the business of lawmaking. This class of legislators courted deep respect and even fear from the then executive administration, and would never tolerate any  encroachment to their legislative obligations, challenging the status quo, wherever they see fit.

You can neither see nor hear the honorable men and women of the  6th assembly behaving in a lousy and puerile manner, like shading each other, while bragging how stupendously rich their families are, as if wealth is a single locus governing morality, character, integrity and other notable traits.

I chose to particularly make mention of the 6th assembly and their indelible contributions to the development of Anambra State, because having sat and watched them on many occasions deliberate on proceedings in the house as an observer many years ago, I saw first-hand how intellectually tasking was the business of legislation, and how profoundly each member would attend to the job. From their carriage, charisma, influence and pragmatism, it would be difficult not to agree that these honorable gentlemen and ladies, deserves every ounce of respect and admiration.

Notably, I sat through some of the proceedings,observing the process to enact the Anambra State Sickle Cell Disease ( Control and Eradication) Law, 2019, which inevitably fell within the time schedule of other notable bills, like the Burial Law.  I vividly recall the day the sickle cell law was passed, and  Madam Speaker, Hon Mrs Rita Maduagwu, looked upwards where I was seated in the gallery, alongside other representatives of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, parents and caregivers alike,  who came in large numbers to witness the epic passage, assuring hope to the  sickle cell community, as she made her final declarations. This was after Hon Paschal Agbodike, had delivered a touching speech, on why everyone should support the sickle cell cause.

As the speaker's gavel struck the sounding block for the sickle cell bill to become  law, wild jubilations erupted from the gallery, thus making Anambra, the first state in the federation to pass the sickle cell law.

Sadly, six years after the epic legislation and accent of the sickle cell law, nothing is being done to implement the provisions that would guarantee the  total eradication of sickle cell disorder. The irony of life!

For this purpose, I once again salute the bravery, courage, and doggedness, of members of the 6th assembly, for delivering the most vibrant, radiant, and intellectually captivating  legislative assemblage in the annals of Anambra State. 

I want to use this opportunity to express my utmost gratitude to RT. Hon Rita Maduagwu, whom the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, is specially celebrating in this August women summit. A compassionate  mother and many more, Rt. Rita Maduagwu, deserves huge accolades for standing up tall for the less privileged.

In the current 8th House of  Assembly,  where the expectations of the downtrodden are neglected and dashed by some women whom are expected to rise in their favour, Rt. Hon Rita Maduagwu, would forever remain a shining example.

Categorically speaking, I would love to dispense my encomiums on the person who is the  sponsor of the sickle cell law, Engr Charles Ezeani, former representative of Anaocha 2 Constituency. Engr Ezeani's level of intelligence is a treasure trove to anyone fortunate to work with him. Unassuming, patient, resourceful and credible, Engr Ezeani with his youthful vigour is the one man to look out for in Anambra future political terrain.

In no order of preferences, I am moved to give my sincerest gratitude and honour to these gentlemen and ladies of the 6th assembly, for distinguishing themselves creditably, and laying the yardstick for future legislatures to measure to:
Hon. Azubuike Okoye
Hon Ikem Uzozie
Late Hon Nnamdi Okafor +
Hon Paschal Agbodike
Hon Obinna Emenaka
Hon Boniface Okwonkwo
Hon Beverly Nkemdiche
Hon Episeni Uche Okafor
Hon Iruba
Hon Obimma
Hon Nikky Ugochukwu
Hon Onyebuchi Ofor
Hon Pete Ibida
Hon Oseke
Hon Chigbo Enweuzo

Posterity would forever remain kind to you all.

May God continue to guide you all in wisdom, strength and understanding, as you continue with your life's sojourn in  service to people. You all really made us proud Ndi' Anambra.

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