Civil Society Commends Soludo on Passage Of Bill To Conduct Local Government Elections In Anambra State

Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), a foremost platform for citizens’ advocacy, warmly commends Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo on the passage into law by the State House of Assembly, the Bill to conduct local government Elections in the State.

Leader of the group, Prince Chris Azor, shortly after news broke on the landmark achievement.  “This demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to democratic governance, decentralization, and community empowerment. We also, applaud the legislative arm led by the Rt Hon. Speaker, for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the passage of this vital Bill.

According to Comrade Azor The conduct of local government elections will bring governance closer to the people, foster grassroots development, and enhance citizen participation. We therefore, urge the government to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Big congratulations to the good people of
Anambra State” He concluded.

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The Anambra State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a Bill for a law to establish the State’s Independent Electoral Commission and for connected purposes.

The executive Bill passed its second reading on Tuesday, May 28, after lawmakers made several contributions on the Bill’s gains and its importance to the conduct of local government elections in the State.

According to the report, the electoral law will be enacted on June 5, 2024, after the Governor’s assent.

During Wednesday’s Plenary of the State House of Assembly, which was presided over by the Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, the State lawmakers resolved to the committee of the whole, where they took their turns going through the bill clause by clause, making necessary amendments and corrections.

Udeze, while reporting progress, commended the members for taking their time to do the needful and for contributing towards building a better Anambra State.

He said, “The Bill when assented to, by the Governor would set the ground for the executive arm to take steps towards the conduct of local government election in the State.”

It has been over 10 years that elections at the local government level were held in Anambra State, as the last one was in the twilight of former Governor Peter Obi’s administration in January, 2014.

There has been sustained clamouring, especially from the Civil Society led by Prince Chris Azor through his Organization, International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) with other partners, for elections to be conducted at the 21 LGAs of the state, which have continuously been run through caretaker transition Chairmen and Counsellors appointed by the State Governor every three (3) months.

IPCRC in an Advocacy Brief after several engagements, advised Governor Soludo of Anambra State to conduct local government election as promised, without further delay.

In the Brief, IPCRC asked the Governor to take a first fundamental step by constituting Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), and empower them with the task to organize and conduct the elections forthwith.