FRONT PAGE EDITORIAL: Time to Honour the Constitution: Soludo Must Conduct LG Elections Now

By Tony Okafor, Awka

For far too long, the people of Anambra State have been denied a fundamental right guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution: the right to participate in local government elections.

It has been an appalling 26 years since the last election was held in 1998, under military rule.

The only attempt at reviving this democratic process was made by former Governor Peter Obi at the twilight of his administration in 2014.

The continued neglect of local government elections is an affront to the principles of democracy and a disservice to the people of Anambra State.

These elections are not just a statutory requirement, but a vital component of our democratic architecture.

They serve as training grounds for future leaders, facilitating grassroots political development and ensuring security and welfare for citizens.

These elections enable local governments to truly represent the people, addressing specific needs and concerns.

The agitations for conduct of local government elections in the state by groups led by Osita Obi and Chris Azor, amongst others, underscore the urgent need for these elections, which are crucial for Anambra State’s democratic growth and development.

Anambra State deserves robust democratic institutions, and its citizens deserve a voice in their local governance.

The continued delay is a disservice to the people and a violation of their constitutional rights.

The time for elections is now! The people of Anambra State demand nothing less.

The notion that caretaker committees in Anambra’s 21 Local Government Areas are a democratic substitute for elected officials is a farce.

This contravenes the clear intentions of the Nigerian Constitution, which enshrines the people’s right to elect their leaders. Anything less is a travesty of democracy.

Governor Soludo must honour his promise and conduct local government elections without further delay.

This Democratic drought must end now.