By Ukpa Ewa.
There was visible elation on the faces of Ndi Anambra as the Governor of the state, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, broke the 11-year jinx by conducting Local Government Elections.
HERALDVIEWS learned that the
last Local Government Election in Anambra State was conducted in 2013 by the
then Governor, Mr. Peter Obi. Throughout the tenure of his successor, Chief
Willie Obiano, which spanned eight years, no local government election was held
in the state; instead, caretaker committees were used to manage the local
government level.
During Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo's election campaign, he emphasized conducting local government elections for the people of Anambra State. Following the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy, Governor Soludo fulfilled his campaign promise by conducting the polls on September 28, 2024.
Our reporter, who toured the Anambra State capital, including Amawbia, Okpuno, and Ifite-Awka, to monitor the election, witnessed mixed reactions to the exercise. According to the report, a large percentage of Ndi Anambra were visibly happy and exercised their franchise, while some opposition parties expressed dissatisfaction, citing irregularities.
Speaking at his palace after casting his vote at his polling unit, the Royal Father of Okpuno community, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Engr. Sunday Okafor, described the election as free, fair, and credible.
The Royal Father said the
people freely exercised their franchise by voting for their favorite
candidates. He appreciated Governor Soludo for conducting the Local Government
Election.
Igwe Okafor disclosed that
Governor Soludo had promised Ndi Anambra during his election campaign that he
would conduct local government elections, and he has now delivered, despite the
fact that the Supreme Court's recent judgment made it more urgent.
However, he noted that even
without the court verdict, Governor Soludo would have conducted the elections,
judging by his impeccable character. "We all welcome his gesture. It was
fine, and Anambrarians are embracing it with love, gratitude, and
gladness," he said.
Addressing journalists after
casting his vote at his polling booth, the Member representing Awka South State
Constituency and Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt.
Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, said the election process was commendable.
Rt. Hon. Okoye maintained that people came out to vote, exercising their civic right to elect their leaders. According to him, "It is their civic right to vote, and their vote will count."
The Deputy Speaker, who insisted that in every contest, there must be a winner, advised the contestants to embrace the spirit of brotherhood, noting that governance and power belong to the people. He further commended Governor Soludo for delivering on his promises.
In his swift reaction to the
exercise, the councilorship candidate for Umubele Agulu Awka Ward 5 under the
People's Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ajekwe Okwudilije, said that no election
took place in his ward.
He vehemently asserted that
nothing was done, disclosing that there were no electoral materials even at his
polling unit. According to him, "We have 27 polling units, but only two
conducted elections, so no election," he stated assertively.
A councilorship candidate for
the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Umubele Agulu Awka Ward 5,
Charles Chizoba Obiekwe, expressed joy over the people's turnout during the
election. He noted that the crowd reflected the people's positive perception of
the APGA government.
Hon. Obiekwe, who praised
Governor Soludo for conducting a flawless election, commended ANSIEC for a job
well done.
Similarly, Mr. Nwosu Hyginus
Elochukwu from Umukwa Awka Ward 3 described the election as peaceful. He
thanked Governor Soludo for conducting a free, fair, and credible election. He
further advised those who lost to keep trying and not to quit.
Mr. Nwosu, who advised those
elected to live up to expectations, hinted that people at the grassroots know
them and can recall them if they do not perform their duties.
One of the contestants for the Awka South Local Government Chairmanship under the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), Amogu Charles, admitted that the turnout was lower than expected but maintained that the few who came out did their best.
The candidate, who observed
that everywhere was calm with no violence or fighting, praised ANSIEC for its
optimal performance despite the short preparation timeframe.
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