The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), a leading advocacy group in Anambra State, has strongly urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to establish a specific timeline for the long-awaited Local Government elections. This call comes in response to the recent formation of the Anambra Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), a move that many see as a significant step towards reviving local governance in the state.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, ACSONet Chairman Mr. Chris Azor expressed the group’s eagerness for the governor to set a clear schedule for the upcoming elections. Azor praised Governor Soludo for inaugurating ANSIEC, which he believes is a crucial development in the process of organizing the local government elections. He highlighted that the creation of the electoral commission is an essential step in ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and transparently.
On Tuesday, Governor Soludo officially introduced the newly formed ANSIEC Board. The board is led by Magistrate Chinelo Genevive Osakwe, with Mrs. Bernardine Obande, Mr. Osita Igbokwe, Mr. Chinedu Nnalue, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Umeh, and Mr. Emeka Okeke serving as members. Governor Soludo emphasized that this team would play a vital role in preparing for and overseeing the local government elections, aiming to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and transparent electoral process.
Mr. Azor conveyed ACSONet’s excitement about the establishment of the board. He pointed out that the lack of local government elections in Anambra for over a decade has created a substantial gap in the state’s democratic practices and development. This delay has had a significant impact on local governance, leaving communities without effective representation and hindering progress at the grassroots level.
The ACSONet Chairman commended Governor Soludo for fulfilling his campaign promise by setting up the ANSIEC. According to Azor, this action aligns with the group’s ongoing efforts to promote democracy at the local level and address the longstanding issue of delayed local government elections. The establishment of ANSIEC is seen as a positive step towards addressing this critical issue, but Azor emphasized that the next crucial step is to set a specific date for the elections.
Azor stressed that the prolonged delay in holding local government elections has been a cause for concern, as it has impeded democratic processes and local development. The establishment of ANSIEC is a welcome development, but the group is eager to see a concrete timeline for the elections. This would not only help restore local governance but also enable more effective community development and engagement.
ACSONet is calling for prompt action to set a date for the local government elections, which have been delayed for more than ten years. The establishment of ANSIEC is a positive development, and the group hopes that this will lead to timely and effective elections, bringing much-needed governance and development to Anambra’s local communities.
