…The Assembly noted that several of the statutes currently in force no longer reflect present realities,
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Anambra State House of Assembly has begun reviewing a number of state laws considered outdated, many of which date back to the military era.
The Assembly noted that several of the statutes currently in force no longer reflect present realities, stressing the Assembly’s commitment to updating them in line with modern legal and social developments.
The Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, made this known on Thursday during his opening remarks at a four-day retreat for leaders and members of the Eighth Assembly in Asaba, Delta State.
According to Udeze, some of the existing laws were originally based on military decrees and were never fully adapted to fit a democratic legal system, while others contradict international conventions ratified by Nigeria.
He also pointed out that a number of the statutes do not reflect the realities of today’s digital and technology-driven society.
The Speaker said laws relating to data protection, community development, environmental regulation, and the rights of persons with disabilities are among those being considered for review.
He revealed that a special committee has already been established to examine the identified laws and recommend necessary amendments or reforms.
Udeze explained that the retreat is intended to help lawmakers define clear legislative priorities and map out a roadmap for their activities before the end of the legislative year.
“The retreat will guide members on the laws they intend to review, the new bills they plan to introduce, and the capacity-building support needed to maintain high legislative standards,” he said.
Participants are also expected to use the retreat to strengthen their legislative capacity and enhance the Assembly’s lawmaking and oversight responsibilities.
The retreat, themed “Strengthening democratic governance through constitutional reviews and budgetary oversight: The role of state legislatures,” featured presentations from experts drawn from various legislative institutions.
