In a revealing interview with Media Talk Africa, the Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Election Commission (CROSIEC), Dr. Mike Ushie, divulged the intricate dynamics surrounding the long-awaited local government council elections in the state.
Dr. Ushie emphatically stated that the decision to conduct local government council elections rests solely with the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, highlighting the governor’s pivotal role in financing the elections. He underscored the dependency of the commission on gubernatorial proclamation to proceed with the electoral process.
Expressing concern over the legality of Caretaker Transition Committees in some states, Dr. Ushie deemed them as illegal, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the time frame stipulated by the Electoral Act for such committees. He cited section 103 sub section 3 of the Electoral Act, which provides a 150-day window for electoral activities, signaling the potential breach of the law if the period is exceeded.
Addressing the budgetary aspect, Dr. Ushie confirmed that funds for the local government elections had been allocated and defended at the state House of Assembly, reflecting the commission’s readiness to implement the electoral process effectively.
However, Dr. Ushie remained optimistic about Governor Otu’s commitment to democratic principles, citing his legislative experience as a testament to his respect for the rule of law. He anticipates that the governor, through his actions and public stance, will soon make a pronouncement regarding the long-awaited local government elections in Cross River State.
With the spotlight on Governor Otu’s debut budget, Dr. Ushie’s insights shed light on the intricate political landscape shaping the future of local government elections in Cross River State.
