The 7th Anambra State House of Assembly has marked its 3rd Anniversary in low key in honour of its slain member, the late Mr Okechukwu Okoye.
The late Okoye was abducted on May 15, and his headless body and head were discovered in different locations in the state some six days later.
In a statement signed by Mr Emma Madu, his Chief Press Secretary, the Speaker, Mr Uche Okafor, on Sunday in Awka extolled the virtues of the late Assemblyman.
The Speaker said on behalf of the lawmakers, they had continued to expressed sadness on the death of one of them, Okoye, who was murdered by gunmen.
He said that the death of Okoye was the reason the House decided not to celebrate its third anniversary in pump and pageantry as a mark of respect to him.
Okafor enjoined Anambra residents to continue to pray for the peace and progress of the state and shun acts capable of tarnishing the image of the state.
He said that the state legislature had performed creditably in spite of challenges and commended the seventh Assembly lawmakers for their huge achievements.
“We have recorded meaningful developments in our various constituencies in the last three years of our legislature for the growth and development of the entire state,” he said.
Okafor said that the seventh Assembly had passed more than 40 bills and over 100 people-oriented and development-driven resolutions within the three years.
He attributed the success of the legislature to the peace and unity of purpose among the lawmakers notwithstanding their political affiliations and the collaboration of the Assembly staff members.
The speaker listed some of the bills passed as Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Establishment Bill, Public Finance Bill, Anambra Information and Technology Bill and Appropriation Bill among others.
He reassured Anambra resident’s that the legislature would continue to enact laws and resolutions aimed at improving the living condition of the citizenry and advancing good governance in the state.
Okoye was a member representing Aguata 2 constituency, under the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
The late Assemblyman hailed from Isuofia Community, the same as Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra.
Okoye was kidnapped on May 15, around Aguluzigbo, Aguata, which lead to a search by the security agencies.
The police command in Anambra after six days announced the discovery of a head on Nnobi – Ideani Road in Idemili South on May 21.
His body was found near Chisco Park Amichi, a community in Nnewi South area of Anambra.
DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, announced that the discovered head and body turned out to be of the late lawmaker.
Okoye was abducted and killed alongside his campaign Director, Mr Cyril Chiegboka.