After what seemed like eternity, Anambra State is now ready to hold its first local government election in a decade, the Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has announced.
Inaugurating the board of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), with Genevieve Osakwe as its chairman, at the Governor’s Lodge, yesterday (Tuesday, August 7), in Awka, the State capital, Governor Soludo emphasized that the State House of Assembly’s confirmation of the board members fulfilled a significant promise he made to the people during the governorship campaigns in 2021.
He noted the team’s crucial role in facilitating local government elections and ensuring they are conducted smoothly, peacefully, and transparently.
Soludo highlighted the demanding nature of their task, particularly concerning the conduct of local government elections, urging the team to expedite their duties and set an election date for the residents of Anambra.
He stressed the importance of rendering service with integrity, recalling that conducting local government elections was a major promise he made upon assuming office.
Explaining that creating the law and establishing the institution took considerable time, Soludo told the ANSIEC team that the “rest of the job is in your hands.”
“The people of Anambra are expecting you to hit the ground running. When you are done, announce to the people when you will hold elections. I have done my job,” he said. “Ndị Anambra, here comes your ANSIEC Commissioners. I am optimistic that with their credentials, it is expected that the Commission would render first-rate action.”
The Governor outlined the commission’s responsibilities, including organizing, undertaking, and supervising all elections related to local government councils, advising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the voter register, prescribing guidelines to political parties, and conducting voter and civic education.
Additionally, the commission is tasked with promoting sound democratic election processes, conducting referendums or plebiscites as required, preparing budgets, liaising with security agencies to ensure violence-free elections, and consulting regularly with registered political parties.
ANSIEC Chairman Genevieve Osakwe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and committed to diligent and transparent work.
“This is a big task. We will wade through the storm. Ndị Anambra will be grateful for our work. We will render this service diligently and transparently. This is a formidable team. We’ll do our work and do it well,” she said.
The newly inaugurated members of the commission include Mrs. Bernadine Obande, Osita Cyril Igbokwe, Sir Chinedu Anthony Nnalue, Mrs. Helen Ifeyinwa Umeh, and Mr. John Emeka Okeke.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Barr. Sylvia Ifemeje, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, SA on Legal Matters Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, and other members of the State Executive Council.
The last local government elections in Anambra State were held in 2014, with the 21 local government areas being managed by caretaker committee chairmen appointed by the Governor every three years for over a decade.
