The Anambra State House of Assembly on Thursday held a valedictory session to wind down the seventh Assembly, saying it passed 50 bills and lost two members in four years.

Uche Okafor, Speaker of the House, during his speech at the final plenary, said that the bills were people-oriented and had brought about remarkable legislative improvement and service delivery in the state.

Mr Okafor, however, paid a special tribute to two members who lost their lives in active service – Okechukwu Okoye and Nnamdi Okafor, who represented Aguata Constituency l and Awka South Constituency l, respectively.

He said: “We have all been privileged to have represented our different constituencies in the last four years, and “l’m happy to say that the seventh Assembly achieved some measures of success in the areas of the number of Bills passed, motions moved, oversight functions and other legislative duties.

“They were people-oriented and landmark Bills and I want to appreciate my colleagues for their support, impactful constituency projects and empowerment programmes.

“The seventh Assembly can be adjudged to be peaceful as there were no impeachment threats or thoughts against the Speaker or other principal officers of the Assembly.

“We have laid a solid foundation in terms of character, commitment, dedication and leadership, and I urge the eighth Assembly to emulate and build upon this foundation as well as support Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration,” he said.

The Speaker thanked his constituents, former Governor Willie Obiano, and the Governor Soludo for their support to the seventh Assembly.

Mr Okafor, who would not be part of the eighth Assembly, also appreciated the lawmakers and staff of the Assembly for their support which made the feat possible.

The legislators took turns to appreciate the Speaker and pledged their support for Governor Soludo and their constituents.

In his remarks, Governor Soludo appreciated the legislators for their oversight functions that had kept the executive on their toes.

Mr Soludo, who was represented by his deputy, Onyekachi Ibezim, appreciated the Speaker for ensuring a cordial relationship between the two arms of government.

The House was adjourned indefinitely (sine die).

Twenty two members of the 7th Assembly, including the Speaker, will not be part of the 8th Assembly to be inaugurated on June 12.

(NAN)