By Obianuju Nwosu
Anambra State House of Assembly on Monday, May 18, reacted to the purported Anambra State burial rights law which is making the rounds in some sections the media.
The reports alleged that it recently passed a “new burial law” restricting condolence gifts such as cows, goats, and other items, describing the publication as false, misleading, and a misrepresentation of facts.
This was contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze and signed by the Special Assistant to the speaker, Me. Franklin Osankwa
According to the release, the attention of the House had been drawn to what it described as a “sensational headline” published by Punch Newspapers suggesting that a new burial regulation had been introduced in the state.
The House firmly denied the claim.
“The 8th Assembly has not passed any new burial law, and no such bill has been introduced, debated, or approved by the current legislature. The burial regulatory framework being referenced in public discourse was enacted in 2019, before the inauguration of the present Assembly.
“No amendments have been made to that law by the current legislature, it is “irresponsible and professionally unethical” to attribute a non-existent new law to the present Assembly.”
The release urged residents of the state and the general public to disregard the report and rely only on verified information from official government sources.
It reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to transparent and people-oriented lawmaking, as well as its readiness to continue engaging citizens on legislative matters.
The House also cautioned media organisations against the spread of what it described as fake news and distorted headlines, warning that such practices undermine public trust and social stability.
Nwosu writes for Anambra State Ministry of Information, Awka
