Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), a citizens advocacy and good governance group, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State for inaugurating the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).
Soludo inaugurated a six-member ANSIEC at the Governor’s Lodge on Tuesday after their penultimate confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
Chinelo Genevieve Osakwe emerged as the Chairman of the Commission, while other members include: Mrs. Bernadine Obande, Barr. Osita Cyril Igbokwe, Sir Chinedu Anthony Nnalue, Mrs. Helen Ifeyinwa Umeh and Mr. John Emeka Okeke.
The commission has been charged with responsibility of organising, undertaking and supervising all elections and matters pertaining to elections to the elective offices in the Local Government councils in the State, among others.
Reacting to the development, leader of ACSONet, Prince Chris Azor, said the move is commendable, adding that it was a step in the right direction.
Azor said: “We give kudos to Mr Governor for living up to his campaign promise by setting up the Electoral Commission, today.
“While we congratulate the Chairman and members of the Commission, we enjoin them to swiftly put their act together and announce a definite date for the much anticipated local government election in the State.”
Speaking further, Azor said local government remains closest to the grassroots for good governance and development. He also said citizens at the grassroots have lost so much during the over ten years absence of democratic elections in the state.
