Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has responded to public pressure by initiating steps to conduct local government council elections.
This follows the progression of a bill to establish the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, which has passed its second reading in the state Assembly.
The executive bill, presented by Majority Leader Ikenna Ofodeme, aims to empower the state government to hold local government elections once it becomes law.
Ofodeme highlighted that the bill, comprising around 110 clauses, is designed to address the interests of both the government and the public.
Calls for local government elections have been mounting since Governor Soludo promised such elections in his inaugural speech on March 17, 2022.
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Leading the debate, Ofodeme emphasized the governor’s commitment to conducting free and fair local government elections, as evidenced by the submission of the electoral bill to the state House of Assembly.
Patrick Okafor, representing Onitsha North 2, praised the bill’s provisions, noting that it demonstrates the governor’s dedication to delivering grassroots democracy.
Noble Igwe of Ogbaru Constituency 1 added that lawmakers have been diligently working on the bill for six months to ensure the commission’s capacity to conduct credible elections.
Nkechi Ogbuefi of Anaocha Constituency 1 and Emmanuel Nwafor of Orumba South Constituency commended the governor for adhering to his promise to hold local government elections within two years of taking office.
Augustine Ike of Nnewi North and Patrick Udeoba of Anambra West observed that the bill could serve as a model for local government elections nationwide, incorporating elements of the 2022 Electoral Act.
Obi Nweke of Anambra East and Anayo Okpalaeke of Aguata Constituency 1 described the bill as timely and indicative of the government’s commitment to addressing grassroots needs.
Speaker of the House Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the session, expressed strong support for the bill, urging members to review it thoroughly before the final reading and passage.
He affirmed the Assembly’s readiness to back the executive branch in fulfilling its promises to the people.
