The Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), a citizen advocacy and good governance group, has commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State for inaugurating the State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).
The group’s leader, Prince Chris Azor, expressed this appreciation during a press briefing at the governor’s lodge in Amawbia, shortly after the inauguration ceremony.
“We give kudos to Mr. Governor for fulfilling his campaign promise by setting up the Electoral Commission today. While we congratulate the chairman and members of the Commission, we urge them to swiftly organise and announce a definite date for the much-anticipated local government election in the state,” Azor stated.
Highlighting the importance of local governance, Azor added, “Local government is closest to the grassroots for good governance and development. Citizens at that level have suffered during the over ten-year absence of democratic elections.”
In a statement released by the Press Secretary to Gov. Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime, it was noted that Magistrate Chinelo Genevieve Osakwe will serve as the chairperson of the Commission. The other members are Mrs. Bernadine Obande, Barr. Osita Cyril Igbokwe, Sir Chinedu Anthony Nnalue, Mrs. Helen Ifeyinwa Umeh, and Mr. John Emeka Okeke.
The Commission’s responsibilities include organising, conducting, and supervising all local government elections; advising the Independent National Electoral Commission on voter register matters; and providing guidelines for political parties regarding local elections. They are also tasked with promoting democratic election processes, conducting referenda, and liaising with security agencies to ensure violence-free and fair elections.
During the inauguration, Governor Soludo emphasised the importance of the Commission’s role, particularly in conducting local government elections. He urged the members to act promptly and set an election date for the people of Anambra.
“The law clearly outlines your extensive functions. Expedite your actions and announce the election date. The rest of the job is in your hands. The people of Anambra are expecting you to hit the ground running,” Soludo charged the Commission members.
He expressed confidence in the Commission’s capabilities and anticipated that they would deliver exceptional service.
The ANSIEC Chairman, Magistrate Osakwe, acknowledged the significant responsibility and expressed her commitment to diligent and transparent service. “This is a formidable team. We will perform our duties well, and the people of Anambra will be grateful,” she stated.
The inauguration event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu; Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Sylvia Ifemeje; former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor; Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Tobechukwu Nweke SAN; and other members of the State Executive Council.
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