ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SERVICE COMMISSION BILL SCALES 2ND READING

A bill for a law to establishment the Anambra State House of Assembly Service Commission, functions of the Commission and other connected purposes has scaled Second Reading at the floor of the house.

Sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary and member representing Onitsha North One constituency, Mr Chugbo Enwezo, the bill seeks to ensure that the State House of Assembly has its own Service Commission to be at par with other two arms of Government, the Executive and Judiciary which have Civil Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission respectively in line with Section ninety three of the 1999 Constitution.

Giving insight into the bill during plenary, Mr  Enwezo maintained that if the bill was passed into law, it would ensure full legislative autonomy, independence of other organs of government as regards to their functions and appointment of Clerk as well as training and retraining of members of staff of the House.

He stressed that the three arms of Government would function independently while enhancing the principle of separation of power as stipulated in the constitution.  Supporting the bill, the Member representing Njikoka Two Constituency, Dr Pete Ibida expressed delight that the Sixth Assembly had written its name in gold through a bill that would enable the legislature to discharge its constitutional duties without fear or favour.  His Anambra East Counterpart, Mr  Obinna Emeneka described it as a history making bill that would strengthen democracy in the country.

Also contributing, the Majority Leader and member representing Anambra West constituency, Mr Victor Jideofor Okoye emphasized that the bill when passed, would give Anambra State House of Assembly financial autonomy and empower its Commission to employ its staff members, enforce discipline.

The Speaker, Mrs Rita Maduagwu described the bill as apt and later referred it to the House Services Committee to make amends where necessary and report back to the House within two weeks.

KEVIN EKEDIEGWU