The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a pivotal bill establishing the state's Independent Electoral Commission, paving the way for local government elections to be held for the first time in a decade. The bill, which passed its second reading on May 28, will become law on June 5, 2024, following the governor's assent.
During the plenary session on Wednesday, presided over by Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, lawmakers meticulously reviewed and amended the bill. Udeze commended the assembly members for their thorough efforts and contributions towards enhancing governance in Anambra State.
Deputy Speaker Chukwuma Okoye highlighted the bill's significance in enabling the governor to conduct local government elections, which are expected to spur development across the state's 21 local government areas. He praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his commitment to this democratic process, noting that local elections have not been held since 2014 under former Governor Peter Obi's administration.
The call for local government elections has been growing, especially from opposition groups, as these areas have been managed by caretaker chairmen appointed every three months. The move towards elections represents a significant shift towards more stable local governance.
In related news, a High Court in Abuja recently directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the use of funds received by Anambra State between March 2022 and April 2024. The court also temporarily halted the allocation of funds to the state's local governments, pending further investigation. This ruling came after an application by lawyer Chukwuebuka Mmeni, raising questions about the financial management of the local government areas.
The Anambra State House of Assembly is scheduled to reconvene on June 4, 2024, for further legislative activities.
