By Romanus Udekwe Okue-Agbomma
Anambra West indigenes on Sunday, 12 October, converged in Asaba to express overwhelming support for Governor Charles Soludo’s bid for a second term whilst devising strategies to strengthen their electoral impact in the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for 8 November.
The town hall meeting, which drew very impressive turnout from community members, leaders and stakeholders living in Delta State, focused primarily on mobilising voters and addressing logistical challenges that have historically hampered electoral participation in Anambra West.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, addressing the gathering, emphasised that communities seeking to increase their voting strength must actively support the government in provision of logistics rather than relying solely on government resources.
The commissioner, demonstrating intimate knowledge of Anambra West’s needs, assured attendees that he remains committed to achieving a substantial portion of the area’s developmental needs and requirements whilst in office. He disclosed that proper arrangements are being finalised for a credible construction company to handle intra-community roads in Anambra West, noting that the local government area also possesses sufficient human resources to participate meaningfully in community development alongside government efforts.
Addressing concerns about his political ambitions, Nwabunwanne stated unequivocally that he is concentrating fully on his current position as commissioner without distractions about future political interests. He raised alarm over the declining school enrolment levels in Anambra West, calling for urgent intervention to reverse the trend.
Recounting Governor Soludo’s numerous achievements across Anambra State, including specific interventions in Anambra West, the commissioner stressed that the local government must position itself amongst those delivering electoral success to the governor. He revealed that plans are being implemented to ensure that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and other technical challenges no longer constitute impediments to voting in Anambra West.
The commissioner made a special appeal to Anam people to participate fully in developmental activities, urging residents to engage directly with political leaders rather than resorting to side-talking about necessary actions. He expressed concern that residents are failing to benefit from government programmes such as the One Youth Two Skills initiative due to negligence or nonchalant attitudes.
In a controversial disclosure, Nwabunwanne stated that every 1,000 votes will receive ₦1 million reward and promised that entertainment would also be provided on election day. He advocated strongly for regular town hall meetings to hold political representatives accountable, particularly those elected to office. He commended the event organisers led by Chief Simon Nnakwe, known as Democracy, for successfully hosting the gathering.
Hon. Sunday Onuorah highlighted that Umueze Anam operates two wards, in facts working towards having three, due to its substantial number of registered voters. He revealed that the community has enacted a stringent law denouncing anyone who fails to return during elections from undertaking any family responsibilities, demonstrating the seriousness with which electoral participation is viewed.
Contributing to the discourse, Chief Dom Okonkwo, former TC chairman, Anambra West drew attention to the political dominance of Hausa communities, attributing their influence to high voter registration and their commitment to returning home during registration and voting periods, a lesson he suggested Anambra West should emulate.
Chief Augustine Ezeolisa urged continued support for Governor Soludo, emphasising the importance of showing appreciation for the numerous projects and initiatives the governor has undertaken in Anambra West. He provided a detailed recount of these achievements to underscore his point.
Businessman, Chief John Onyeaka stressed that achieving high voter turnout requires adequate provision of machines and logistics needed for registration, identifying these as fundamental prerequisites for electoral success.
International businessman, Chief Edochie Onuorah recited several cases about the importance of participation in elections. He illustrated with several International communities and how they use votes to attract developments. He urged attendees to ensure every vote counts to ensure Governor Soludo’s re-election to continue and complete his developmental projects in Anambra State including Anambra West.
Hon. Alex Okeke, a surveyor addressed the importance of registering in one’s constituency, using himself as an example of someone residing in Delta State but registered in Anambra West. He argued that such decisions reflect commitment to community progress and emphasised that regardless of property ownership elsewhere, one can never become a native of a place other than their origin.
The event attracted prominent dignitaries including Deputy Mayor of Anambra West, Hon. Mrs Edith Ndive; Sir Isaac Obidiegwu; Hon. Emma Ndaka, businessman; Hon. Simon Onuorah, former chairman of Anambra West; Chief Osita Michael Ofodile, known as Mobile; Hon. Romanus Egwuatu, chairman of APGA Anambra West; Chief Jacob Udoba, known as Ebubedike; Hon. Edochie Onuorah, known as Mandate; Chief Sunday Onuorah, known as Iyi; Chief Augustine Ezeolisa; and Chief Samuel Okaa-Obiora.
