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| Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, |
Calls for Governor Soludo's administration to fulfill its promise of conducting local government elections, as stated in his inaugural address on March 17, 2022, have been persistent.
Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, has responded to public demands by initiating steps to conduct local government council elections in the state.
This action follows the second reading of a bill to establish the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission and related matters 2024 on the floor of the state Assembly.
Introduced by the majority leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, the Executive bill, once enacted, will empower the executive branch to hold local government elections in Anambra.
Ofodeme highlighted that the bill, comprising approximately 110 clauses, aims to serve the interests of both the governing bodies and the public.
Calls for Governor Soludo's administration to fulfill its promise of conducting local government elections, as stated in his inaugural address on March 17, 2022, have been persistent.
Ofodeme, leading the debate for the bill's second reading, emphasized the governor's commitment to holding a transparent local government election by submitting the electoral bill to the state House of Assembly.
Mr Patrick Okafor, representing Onitsha North 2, supported the motion, noting that the bill's provisions demonstrate the governor's dedication to delivering democratic benefits to the grassroots.
Mr Noble Igwe, representing Ogbaru constituency 1, mentioned that legislators have been refining the bill for six months to ensure the Commission can conduct a trustworthy local government election.
Nkechi Ogbuefi and Mr Emmanuel Nwafor, representing Anaocha Constituency 1 and Orumba South Constituency respectively, pointed out that the bill reflects the governor's commitment to holding local government elections within his first two years in office, thus empowering local communities.
Mr Augustine Ike and Mr Patrick Udeoba, from Nnewi North and Anambra West constituencies, observed that the bill could set a precedent for local government elections nationwide by incorporating elements of the 2022 Electoral Act.
Mr Obi Nweke and Mr Anayo Okpalaeke, representing Anambra East and Aguata Constituency 1, described the bill as timely and indicative of the government's readiness to act in the grassroots' best interest.
The Speaker, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, assured that the Assembly would support the executive's efforts to fulfill its commitments to the populace.
He urged members to thoroughly review the bill before its final reading and adoption.
