African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) Abuja and International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), Awka, in partnership with Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room are implementing a project “Strengthening Transparency Accountability in Governance and Electoral Process (STAGE), with support from Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
As part of the scheduled activities, advocacy visits were conducted, culminating in a stakeholders Forum convened in Awka on 7th December, 2023, with a wide range of Anambra State stakeholders in attendance. The events were followed up with a Dialogue held on 22nd February, 2024, involving political parties, civil society and media partners.
At the end of the major engagements, participants raised issues and concerns
about non conduct of local government election in Anambra State for over a period of ten (10) years, and made recommendations, enjoining Anambra State government to commence without delay the process of conducting local government elections within the shortest possible time.
The well-attended events witnessed passionate discussions on the state of Anambra State in social, economic and political development.
Participants observed the major milestones achieved by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo based on his five (5) point Agenda.
Stakeholders cited infrastructural development delivering close to 400 km of roads across the State in just about 2 years in office. They also cited employment of 5000 teachers (interviewed another 3000), free education, antenatal and delivery services, recruitment of health professionals, youth empowerment and sundry governance reforms.
*ISSUES AND CONCERNS*
Stakeholders observed certain developments at the local government level in Anambra State comparing them with the realities in other southeastern states.
As a result, they frowned at the non conduct of Local government election in Anambra State for over ten (10) years and alluded to the promise made by the governor to conduct local government election within two years in office.
Stakeholders noted that the 1976 reforms of the local government are only being obeyed in the breach, as State Governors exercise overbearing powers over the Local Governments.
It was also observed that inability of the State to conduct local government elections was a clear breach of the constitutional provision that guarantees democracy at the third tier, which is the local government.
Participants were of the opinion that conduct of local government elections are often delayed due to control of local government resources and allocations.
Participants recalled attempts made by Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Anambra State and other concerned Citizen groups to encourage the State government to conduct local government elections, but without success.
There were concerns over lack of credible elections even when conducted, as the incumbent government often manipulates the process to secure landslide victory.
Issues were also, raised about lack of transparency, accountability and poor work ethics at the local government areas as a result of absence of democratic structures.
Participants were particularly concerned that no funds were allocated in the 2024 budget for local government election. For them this showed lack of commitment by the State Government.
Stakeholders were worried that absence of democracy at the local government deprives the State of humongous development partnership support.
*RESOLUTIONS*
In view of the above concerns, stakeholders therefore, made the following resolutions.
1. A call on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, to organize and conduct local government elections as promised.
2. That the first step towards this is constitution of Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, (ANSIEC) l Governor Soludo, through thej nomination of members of the Commission and forwarding same to the House of Assembly for approval, thereafter inauguration by the Governor.
3. That the importance of local government elections cannot be gainsaid because the local governments are closest to the people.
4. The governor to ensure prompt audit of local government accounts in a timely manner and ensure the report is published.
5. The stakeholders’ consensus is that the last re-appointment of Transition Council Chairmen/Councillors by Governor Soludo should be the last before the conduct of a free, fair and credible local government election.
6. That If there is need to get a supplementary budget to conduct the local government elections, Governor Soludo needs to do the needful.
7. That Governor Soludo CFR, needs to convene a meeting of stakeholders including Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Civil Society, Media, Development Partners and other stakeholders to dialogue on the modalities for the conduct of free, fair and credible local government election in Anambra State.
8. That deliberations of the meeting should be made available to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and other relevant government functionaries, Citizens and partners for desired action.
9. That all stakeholders should join efforts to advocate for the conduct of local government election in Anambra State.
Stakeholders took turns to show solidarity to the Solution government and reposed confidence in the Governor’s ability to carry out his governance responsibilities according to his promises.
In attendance:
1. Chief Comrade Uche Ugworji (IPAC Chairman, Anambra State)
2. Hon. Uzochukwu Eminent (State Secretary, IPAC)
3. Traditional Rulers
4. Anambra State Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
5. Barr. Titus Akpudo, National President, ASATU.
6. Mrs. Eucharia Anekwe – Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (Civil Society)
7. Representative of NLC
8. Representative of NUJ
9. Representatives of Media
10. Mrs Jully Onyedika Irunna, representative of ASATU Women
11. Dr. Henry Duru, Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (Academia)
12. Venerable Jason Onyeakabusi (SEJUP) Faith Based Organization.
13. Comrade Ernest Nnoli, Representative of Youth groups.
14. Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disability, Anambra State, among others.
15. Representative of NULGE.
Comrade Uche Ugworji, IPAC Chairman, Anambra State, moved the motion for the adoption of the Communique, and was seconded by Mrs Jully Onyedika Iruna, representative of ASATU Women Wing, Anambra State.
Signed
Itia Otabor (Centre LSD)
Prince Chris Azor (IPCRC)
