LG 4-year tenure, rent control laws underway in Anambra — Speaker

The Anambra State House of Assembly has disclosed that legislative measures aimed at extending the tenure of local government officials to four years and regulating house rents and agency fees across the state are currently underway.

Somtochukwu Udeze, Speaker of the House, disclosed on Wednesday during a media briefing at his office in Awka to mark the third anniversary of the 10th Anambra State House of Assembly.

Udeze said the Assembly was closely monitoring developments regarding the proposed constitutional amendment on local government administration at the national level, noting that the state legislature would act promptly once the amendment becomes effective.

“We are awaiting the outcome of the constitutional amendment process concerning local government administration. Once it is concluded, the Anambra State House of Assembly will not hesitate to take the necessary legislative steps in compliance with the new provisions,” he said.

The Speaker, however, commended the existing local government administration law in Anambra State, describing it as a model that has fostered strong collaboration between the state government and the 21 local government councils.

According to him, the law has enhanced harmonious and simultaneous development across the state by clearly defining administrative responsibilities and strengthening cooperation between both tiers of government.

Speaking on the proposed rent control legislation, Udeze clarified that the bill was not merely about fixing rents but also addressing the activities of property agents and other challenges within the housing sector.

“The rent control law is receiving finishing touches. It is not just about rent control; it will also address issues relating to agents and other practices in the housing sector. We are optimistic that when it comes into effect, it will bring relief to residents and restore sanity to the system,” he stated.

The Speaker also used the occasion to restate the independence of the legislature, insisting that the Anambra State House of Assembly was not a rubber-stamp institution.

“The House is independent, but not autonomous. We work in synergy with the executive arm in the overall interest of the people, but that does not mean we merely endorse every proposal placed before us,” he said.