By Chizoba Okeke
The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has disclosed that the legislature is putting finishing touches on a Rent Control Law aimed at regulating house rents, agency fees, and other activities within the housing sector.
Udeze made this known on June 10, during a media briefing at his office in Awka as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the 8th Anambra State House of Assembly.
According to the Speaker, the proposed legislation is designed to address the concerns of both tenants and landlords while bringing order and transparency to the operations of property agents across the state.
“The Rent Control Law is receiving finishing touches. It is not just about rent regulation; 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,” Udeze said.
Reflecting on the Assembly’s performance over the past three years, the Speaker thanked God and commended members of the House for their commitment to legislative duties, noting that the 8th Assembly has recorded significant achievements in promoting good governance and improving the welfare of Ndi Anambra.
He revealed that since its inauguration, the Assembly has passed about 45 bills, 42 of which have received assent from Governor Chukwuma Soludo and become law.
“These include private members’ bills and 22 executive bills. We have also considered over 90 motions and received more than 100 petitions from the public, with about 16 already resolved,” he stated.
Udeze highlighted the Local Government Administration Law and the Homeland Security Law as some of the Assembly’s landmark legislations, describing them as transformative measures aimed at strengthening governance and enhancing security in the state.
He explained that the Local Government Administration Law was enacted to reinforce local government autonomy and improve financial accountability through a consolidated account management system.
Addressing public perceptions about the legislature’s relationship with the executive arm of government, the Speaker dismissed claims that the Assembly operates as a rubber stamp institution.
“The House is independent, though we work in synergy with the Executive in the overall interest of the people. That does not mean we merely endorse every proposal brought before us,” he stressed.
On security, Udeze noted that the Homeland Security Law emerged from extensive legislative scrutiny and was introduced to tackle prevailing security challenges in the state.
He attributed much of the Assembly’s success to the cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive under the Soludo administration’s “One State, One Agenda” policy.
The Speaker also revealed plans to modernise the Assembly’s operations through digital transformation initiatives, including the establishment of a digital library, deployment of technology driven legislative tools, and construction of an additional administrative block.
He further advocated improved welfare packages and continuous capacity-building programmes for legislative staff and lawmakers, particularly newly elected members.
Expressing confidence in the future of the state, Udeze reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to deepening democracy, encouraging citizens’ participation in lawmaking, and enacting people-oriented legislation that will accelerate development across Anambra.
“This is not business as usual. We were elected to serve the people, and our focus has been on creating the right legal framework to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra State.
“We have every reason to celebrate our achievements. Our goal is to provide a conducive environment for progress and sustainable development. We are here to serve the people and ensure that Anambra continues on the path of growth,” he added.
The proposed Rent Control Law, when enacted, is expected to provide a legal framework for regulating rental practices, protecting tenants from arbitrary charges, and promoting fairness and transparency in Anambra State’s housing sector.
Chizoba Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
