•Lawmakers greenlight 24-hour CCTV for public health facilities

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

With less than two weeks until the March 17 second term inauguration of Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, the state Executive Council (ANSIEC) has approved three events for the occasion.

Soludo was re-elected in November 2025 to continue in his leadership of the state after beating his rivals a strong list of challengers.

According to a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, following ANSIEC second meeting of 2026, held at Light House, Awka, the three events would include; interdenominational service on Sunday, March 15; a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, March 17; and a thanksgiving service on Sunday, March 22.

Mefor’s statement partly reads: “The Council approved the three primary events for the swearing-in of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, and Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim as governor and deputy for a second term and established several subcommittees to ensure smooth execution.

“The three events are an interdenominational service on Sunday, March 15; a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, March 17; and a thanksgiving service on Sunday, March 22.”

Mefor also said that during the ANSIEC meeting, that the council awarded and approved funds for some strategic projects, which include IAAF standard 5-lane spray system track and natural grass pitch in Ekwulobia Stadium Complex, road marking and installation of thermoplastic speed bumps along the 10.043 km newly constructed Afor Nkpor-Eke Obosi Road and Building of an asphalt surface on the service lane to the State House of Assembly and the High Court Complex Awka, among others.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State House of Assembly has approved the establishment of an Independent Monitoring Unit (CCTV) within the Ministry of Health to monitor the professional activities of Health personnel in public health institutions in the state.

The move is coming on the heels of the Assembly's decisive move to restore public trust and eliminate medical negligence.

The lawmakers during a plenary at the state Assembly Complex in Awka passed a resolution mandating 24-hour Remote Surveillance (CCTV) And Independent monitoring unit across all public health facilities.

According to the lawmakers, the resolution is aimed at tackling growing concerns over medical laxity, slow emergency response times, and unprofessional conduct by healthcare personnel which has resulted in loss of lives.

The motion was moved by Hon. Chidi Ibemeka representing Njikoka I, who also observed that the initiative was vital for restoring the dwindling confidence of citizens in public healthcare.

"Life-saving is the primary responsibility of the government. Many families currently flee to private hospitals due to a perceived lack of commitment at state-run facilities, Ibemeka stated.

Supporting the Motion, Hon. Noble Igwe (Ogbaru I), Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts harped on the urgent need for an independent monitoring unit.

He noted that the system would serve as a critical check against workplace "shenanigans" and ensure that staff remain focused on patient care.

On his part, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Tony Muobike (Aguata II) said that the existing systems like "Servicom" have failed to deliver on their mandates, saying that he is speaking directly on the experiences of Anambra people

On his part, the member resenting Onitsha North II, Hon. Patrick Okafor highlighted the tragic reality of hospital mortality caused by "carelessness" and distractions, even as he cited the misuse of mobile phones by staff while on duty.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ikenna Ofodebe, on his part, maintained that footage would serve as "documentary evidence," ensuring that both diligent workers are protected and negligent ones are held accountable.

Also, Hon. Obi Nweke (Anambra East) noted that the surveillance would expose personnel who prioritize their private practices over their duties at public facilities.

Beyond monitoring misconduct, lawmakers like Hon. Kingsley Udemezue (Idemili North) and Hon. Jude Akpua (Njikoka II) stated that the "unseen eyes" of CCTV would also reduce workplace violence and ensure the safety of the medical staff themselves.

The lawmakers urged the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Health to begin the immediate procurement and installation of the systems.

The House at the end unanimous adoption of the Motion as overseen by the Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze adjourned to Thursday, March 5, 2026.