EDITORIAL: Soludo, Obey Extant Laws: Dissolve Local Government Transition C’ttees now!
Editorial
By Tony Okafor
As Anambra State counts down to the September 28 council polls, the need for a free, fair, and neutral electoral process cannot be overstated.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, a renowned economist and public administrator, must take immediate action to guarantee the integrity of the polls.
We urge him to dissolve the current local government transition committee leadership without delay, to prevent any potential bias or undue influence.
The Electoral Act 2022, Section 84(12), is clear: political appointees must resign at least 30 days before the election.
It is trite and settled that when a federal law covers the field, state laws on the same subject become invalid or preempted. This is known as federal preemption.
Yet, the current transition committee chairmen and councilors remain in office, raising legitimate concerns about their impartiality.
If they wish to contest the polls, they should have resigned by now, as required by law. Their continued presence in office may compromise the neutrality of the electoral process.
Governor Soludo can draw inspiration from his brother governor, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who took a bold step by dissolving the Local Government Transition Implementation Committee administration across the 17 local government areas in Plateau State.
This decisive move ensured a level playing field for all contestants and demonstrated a commitment to fairness and transparency.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and INEC’s regulations also emphasize the need for neutrality during elections.
The Public Officers’ Protection Act further highlights the importance of resigning from political offices before engaging in partisan activities.
By dissolving the transition committees, Governor Soludo will demonstrate his administration’s adherence to these principles.
Furthermore, dissolving the transition committees will: Prevent potential manipulation of the electoral process,
ensure equal opportunities for all contestants, boost voter confidence in the polls, uphold the integrity of the electoral process
We urge Governor Soludo to act now and ensure that the September 28 council polls are conducted in an atmosphere of neutrality and fairness.
The people of Anambra State deserve nothing less. By taking this crucial step, Governor Soludo will cement his legacy as a champion of democracy and good governance.
