Enemies By Design: How The US And USSR Shaped Each Other's Identity

 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has appointed new chairmen for the 21 local government areas, a move that has sparked widespread protests. The appointments were recently ratified by the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Last month, Governor Soludo dismissed all caretaker council chairmen, directing them to transfer authority to the most senior staff in their respective areas. The sacked chairmen had been in office for two years, their tenures extended every three months through gubernatorial requests to the House of Assembly.

The dismissals triggered intense debate among stakeholders. While some saw this as a potential precursor to local government elections, others argued that without the establishment of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), elections remained uncertain.

A week after the dismissals, a High Court in Abuja ruled to suspend federal government transfers of council funds to the state pending elections. This followed legal action initiated by Anambra lawyer Chukwuebuka Mmeni, Esq., a decision supported by Labour Party leader Valentine Ozigbo. Ozigbo urged Governor Soludo to prioritize election preparations over legal challenges.

Earlier this month, the Anambra State House of Assembly passed legislation to form a state electoral commission, raising hopes for forthcoming elections. However, these hopes were dampened when a new list of appointees for local council areas was presented in the Assembly, confirming 21 new transition committee chairmen expected to serve initially for three months, with likely extensions.

Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze cited compliance with Section 208 of the Local Government Law of 1999 as amended.

The appointments have drawn criticism from diverse quarters. The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET), led by Chris Azor, expressed concerns about the transition committees, emphasizing the imperative of grassroots democracy and urging Governor Soludo to ensure a definitive transition to elected governance as mandated by Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Anambra State condemned the appointments as an affront to democracy. PDP State Chairman Engr. Chigozie Igwe accused the APGA government of neglecting democratic norms and failing to deliver essential services to citizens.

Similarly, the South East APC Young Progressive Forum criticized Governor Soludo's actions, asserting that the use of transition committees violates constitutional provisions demanding elected local government officials.

Responding to criticism, State Commissioner for Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Matters Hon. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne defended the appointments, attributing delays in conducting elections to legal constraints.

Nwabunwanne reiterated Governor Soludo's commitment to organizing credible elections, promising swift progress towards achieving this goal.

The unfolding debate underscores Anambra citizens' anticipation of further developments towards achieving democratic governance at the grassroots level.