The Anambra State House of Assembly has dismissed reports alleging 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.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze, the Assembly said the attention of the House had been drawn to what it described as a “sensational headline” published by one of the national newspapers suggesting that a new burial regulation had been introduced in the state. The House firmly denied the claim.

It stressed that the 8th Assembly has not passed any new burial law, adding that no such bill has been introduced, debated, or approved by the current legislature.

 According to the statement, the burial regulatory framework being referenced in public discourse was enacted in 2019, before the inauguration of the present Assembly.

The House further clarified that no amendments have been made to that law by the current legislature, insisting that it is “irresponsible and professionally unethical” to attribute a non-existent new law to the present Assembly. It warned against what it called sensational reporting capable of misleading the public and generating unnecessary controversy.

The statement, signed by Franklin Osankwa, SA on Office of the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, 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.