Advertorial
Imo State stakeholders have raised concerns over the alleged hijacking of local government funds by governors, calling on the Federal Government to establish a separate electoral body to oversee local government elections.
These concerns were expressed during a town hall meeting held in Owerri, organized by SOS Children’s Villages with support from the European Union.
Advertorial
The stakeholders argued that the lack of a fair and competitive environment in local elections across the country has compromised democracy at the grassroots level.
Eze George Nwosu, the traditional ruler of Umuekwure in Ngor Okpala, highlighted the failure of weak electoral institutions, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms.
“Our institutions must be strengthened so they can hold offenders accountable. The time has come to take action and reform our electoral bodies,” he said.
Advertorial
Imo State’s Chief Imam, Sheikh Suleiman Yusuf Njoku, described the state of the electoral process as “unfortunate,” lamenting that materialism had contributed to the erosion of Nigeria’s democratic values.
He urged Nigerians to focus less on material gains and more on moral and spiritual reconciliation to restore order in the country.
Ichie Levi Ekeh, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Imo State, stressed the need for stricter enforcement of electoral laws.
Advertorial
He criticized the state’s electoral bodies for being biased and called for the creation of an independent federal body to conduct local government elections, given that state electoral commissions often favor the ruling party.
“We must ensure that election guidelines are respected and that electoral offenders are prosecuted to restore public trust,” he said.
Advertorial
Chimezie Ebosie, a representative from the Civil Society Organization (CSO), also echoed the call for a coalition to drive these reforms and ensure local government elections are free and fair.
