Anambra State is set to hold elections into the elective offices in the local government councils after many years.
Announcing the date, the chairman of Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, Magistrate Chinelo Genevieve Osakwe stated, “Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission wishes to inform all registered political parties and the general public that local government elections in the State will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
“Election timetable/schedule of activities and other details can be collected from the headquarters of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, Awka, from Wednesday, 14th August, 2024.”
Few days ago, Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo inaugurated the commission at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia
Other members of the commission are: Mrs. Bernadine Obande, Barr. Osita Cyril Igbokwe, Sir Chinedu Anthony Nnalue, Mrs. Helen Ifeyinwa Umeh and Mr. John Emeka Okeke.
The Commission’s terms of reference include organizing, undertaking, and supervising all elections and matters pertaining to elections to the elective offices in the local government councils in the state; render such advice as
it may consider necessary to the Independent National Electoral Commission on the compilation of the register of voters in so far as that register is applicable to the local government of the state; prescribe guidelines to political parties, stipulating the rules and procedure for the conduct of local government elections in the state; conduct voter and civic education.
Others are to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes; conduct any referendum or plebiscite required to be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) or any law of the state; prepare and submit its budget directly to the House of Assembly; liaise directly with the Commissioner of Police, Director, State Security Service, and other relevant security bodies that may facilitate violence-free and fair elections; consult regularly with all registered political parties in the state and ensure free flow of information about the Commission; appoint a lawyer to defend the Commission and prosecute anyone who violates the provisions of the law; assign poll clerks and orderlies in respect of each polling station or unit to assist at the poll and perform such other functions as may be conferred on it by law.
The functions of the Commission under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section shall include the division of the area of the Local Government, into such number of wards or constituencies as are prescribed by law for the purpose of the elections to be conducted by the Commission.
In the exercise of its function under paragraph (a) of sub-section (1) and under sub-section (2) of this section, the Commission shall use the Voters Registers compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria.
Inaugurating the members of the Commission, Governor Soludo stressed that they have been called to perform an onerous task, especially as it concerns the conduct of local government election in the state.
While stating that the law clearly spelt out their wide range of functions, the governor asked them to expedite action and set a date for the conduct of local government election for ndị Anambra.
He charged them on rendering sterling service with honour and integrity and recalled that the conduct of a local government election was a major promise he made to ndị Anambra when he was inaugurated. He emphasized that crafting the law and getting the institution up and running, took some time.
“The rest of the job is in your hands and the people of Anambra are expecting you to hit the ground running.l” Governor Soludo said.
“When you are done, announce to the people when you’ll hold elections. I’ve done my job. Ndị Anambra, here comes your ANSIEC Commissioners”, the Governor added.
He expressed optimism that with their credentials, it is expected that the Commission would render first-rate action.
On her part, the ANSIEC Chairman, Magistrate Osakwe, had expressed happiness for being given the opportunity to serve.
“This is a big task” she said. “We will wade through the storm. Ndị Anambra will be grateful after our work. We will render this service diligently and transparently. This is a formidable team. We’ll do our work and do it well, ”
