Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has commence move to conduct local government council election as a bill for a law to establish the Independent Electoral commission bill and for connected purposes passed through Second Reading at plenary on Tuesday.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the executive bill, presented by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, aims to establish a robust framework for the conduct of local government elections and ensuring that democratic governance reaches the grassroots.
The Majority Leader while leading the debate said the primary objective of the bill is to create a transparent and efficient electoral system that will empower the grassroots.
Hon. Ofodeme who is the member representing Ekwusigo constituency said Governor Soludo had shown that he was willing to conduct a free and fair local government election in the state by sending in the electoral bill to the state House of Assembly.
Ofodeme noted that the governor is willing to make the state proud and bring governance to the doorstep of the populace, just as he said that the bill when implemented will have a direct impact on the citizens.
Supporting the motion, the member representing Ogbaru Constituency One, Hon. Noble Igwe (Deputy Minority Leader), his Anambra East Constituency Counterpart, Hon. Obi Nweke and that of Awka North Constituency, Hon. Johnmark Ikwunne emphasized the bill’s potential to transform local governance system in the State, such that it will bridge the gap between the government and the governed, promote inclusivity and development at the grassroots level.
Throwing their weights behind the bill, the member representing, Onitsha Constituency One, Hon. Fred Ezenwa, his Aguata Constituency One, Hon. Anayo Okpaleke and that of Orumba South Hon. Emma Nwafor and Anaocha Constituency One representative Hon. Nkechi Ogbuefi (Deputy Minority Whip) emphasized that having local government leaders at the grassroot level is crucial, as they are closest to the people and understand their needs and concerns.
Also, the Member representing Anambra West Constituency, Hon. Patrick Udoba, the representing Njikoka Constituency Two, Hon. Jude Akpua (Deputy Majority Leader) and Hon. Patrick Okafor representing Onitsha North Constituency Two, called for the speedy passage of the bill, underscoring that local government system will promote community development.
Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the plenary, assured of the assembly’s commitment to give continued support to the executive to ensure that the promises made to Ndi Anambra by the Governor are fulfilled.
Rt. Hon. Udeze read out the bill for the second time and it received support from the lawmakers. He called on members to kindly go through the bill before the final reading and passage.
The house adjurned and to reconvene on Wednesday 29th May.
