Following his inauguration as the Member Representing Nnewi North in the 7th Assembly of Anambra State House of Assembly on 12th June 2019, Hon. Nonso Okafor (Smart), has shown that he is not only result-oriented but belongs to the league of representatives whose presence on the floor of Anambra State House of Assembly has evidently shown that the 7th Assembly is ready for serious legislative business.
As a 100 days lawmaker, Nonso Okafor has provided quality representation that provides assurances for good governance and prospect for a constituency like Nnewi North.
Though 100 days may not be enough to make an effective appraisal of Nonso Okafor as a lawmaker, his representation with effective feedback mechanism which strengthens democratic principles and values is becoming a reality.
Despite the rigorous and tensed ongoing petition at the election tribunal, Nonso Okafor has refused to be distracted.
Upon resumption of legislative duties, Nonso Okafor who already understands the challenges facing his constituents started making efforts towards addressing them.
READ MORE: Nonso Okafor in 7th Assembly: One Victory, Too Many
One of his first contributions on the floor of Anambra State House Assembly was the urgent call on the state government to look into the issue of Excessive Electricity Billing on his constituents by Enugu Electricity Distribution Commission (EEDC), he appealed to the Governor to direct the committee on Rural Electrification project to liaise with EEDC to ensure that the exorbitant prices paid by Nnewi residents on electricity are reduced.
Showing great concern, Nonso Okafor also met with the Management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Commission (EEDC) in Nnewi, to express his concern.
On the deplorable state of road infrastructure in Nnewi, Nonso Okafor cried out to the Governor to immediately intervene.
According to him, the Anambra State Road Maintenance Agency appears to have forgotten Nnewi, thereby, leaving the roads in the town in bad shape, he called on the Governor to direct the management of the agency to immediately relocate to Nnewi.
He said that his constituency is ready to provide a zonal office for the agency to ensure that its presence is felt on Nnewi roads.
On erosion, Nonso Okafor (Smart) commended the Governor on the state government’s intervention in Nnewichi erosion site, however, he raised alarm on the erosion which has cut-off 100-Foot road and is posing serious threat to Nkwo Nnewi Market.
He appealed to the state government for immediate intervention pending when the world bank, the federal and state government begins its full intervention project.
As one who believes and advocate for the respect and protection of the Human Rights, Nonso Okafor on the floor of the House, called for the institutionalization of a speedy trial and other non-custodial measures to enhance the decongestion of prisons in Anambra State.
He decried the practice where some suspects are held in remand for extended periods of time, running into years. He particularly bemoaned the situation where those accused of minor offenses spent years awaiting trial.
He appealed to Hon. Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu, the then Chief Judge, to kick-start discussions with stakeholders to roll out a better system, which will not erode the basic human rights of suspects.
On Anambra State Information Technology Bill (ICT) which he co-sponsored, Nonso Okafor while supporting the bill, said that Anambra State should lead the technological advancement of Nigeria, he urged for proper funding from the state government and private sector driven response which will facilitate the construction and equipping of ICT laboratories across the state.
On the continued Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other black Africans in South Africa, Nonso Okafor (Smart) on the floor of the House of Assembly condemned the act, saying it was against the spirit of Pan-Africanism. He described the xenophobic attacks as barbaric, unethical, illegal and un-African.
Despite blaming the unfavorable Nigeria economy which has continued to force Nigerians to seek greener pastures outside the shores of Nigeria. He urged Nigeria leaders to provide the needed leadership that will propel economic prosperity, to ensure that businesses in Nigeria thrive and the standard of living of Nigerians is improved.
As an active member of the 7th Assembly, Nonso Okafor has co-sponsored many bills and motions, his robust contributions to debates in the House distinguishes him from others.
He has also presented two (2) bills before the House of Assembly, which is expected to pass second reading soon.
On Constituency Engagement, as one who believes, that quality representation of the people can only be possible through constant interaction and engagement with constituents, Nonso Okafor have continued to identify with his people, whether in events, meetings or burials irrespective of their locations.
Through his use of the media, Nonso Okafor have continued to reach out to his constituents on his activities in the legislative chamber, he has also shown his presence through regular attendance to community meetings.
Expected to be opened before the end of September, Nonso Okafor has concluded plans to open his Offical Constituency Office which will be open to all Ndi Nnewi and Non-Indigenes resident in Nnewi, this will help break down the wall of bureaucracy and make his constituents to access him freely.
The office will be staffed with competent legislative staff to enable constituents to make complaints seek information and other issues of their concerns.
Also, Nonso Okafor through his personal resources have empowered over thirty (30) widows in his constituents. He has also given about Nine (9) students scholarship.
Through his office, Nonso Okafor has facilitated the employment of some of his constituents into the Anambra State Civil Service and is also facilitating the admission of some students into the state-owned university.
As a youth, Nonso Okafor (Smart) have continued to attend many youth programs where he has continued to advocate on the need to prioritize institutional and deliberate policies and programmes towards repositioning the youths for development and leadership. He has continued to inspire youths even beyond his constituency through his advocacy.
On oversight, as the Chairman of Anambra State Committee on Social Development, Gender and Children Affairs Committee, he has began the journey in promotion of gender balance and social values that will ensure more equitable, sustainable economy and social development
As Deputy Chairman, Finance and Appropriation Committee and Committee on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), with membership of Police, Security and Boundary Matters Committee, House Services Committee, Youth Empowerment, Creative Industry and Sports Committee, Public Accounts Committee, Transport Committee, Nonso Okafor has remained an active member of these committees through his participation in committee meetings and oversight functions.
With just 100 days as a lawmaker, Hon. Nonso Okafor (Smart) has indeed demonstrated the capacity and character required of any progressive 21st-century legislator. It is not in doubt, that Ndi Nnewi will feel more impact of his legislative activities.
Ebubechukwuzuloke Brown.
Nnewi, Anambra State.
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