Stakeholders in Anambra State are urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo to prioritize the conduct of local government elections in the state. During a recent engagement organized by the Africa Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development and civil society groups, various leaders emphasized the need for democratic and constitutional local governance.
Members of the Africa Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, including Itia Otabor, underscored the importance of adhering to statutory requirements for the local government election. Otabor expressed the desire of Anambra people for elected local government leadership, as opposed to the recurring appointment of transition committees, which is deemed unconstitutional.
The call for local government elections also emanated from the coordinator of Anambra State Civil Society Network, Chris Azor, who indicated that the absence of elected local government officials hampers the state’s potential partnerships with international development allies. Azor emphasized that caretaker committees do not align with the law and hinder Anambra’s ability to attract development partners.
Moreover, Azor highlighted the inefficiency of retaining staff in the State Independent Electoral Commission without utilizing their services for the intended purpose of organizing local government elections. This situation was condemned as a display of ineffective governance, where employees receive salaries without contributing to the electoral process.
The collective stance of these stakeholders reflects the pressing need for Anambra State to uphold democratic principles and establish elected leadership at the local government level. The urgency of this matter is underscored by the potential for developmental opportunities and the imperative to uphold constitutional provisions for local governance.
