The Anambra State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill establishing the state’s Independent Electoral Commission.
The bill, which aims to facilitate local government elections, awaits the governor’s assent on June 5, 2024.
The executive bill passed its second reading on May 28, after lawmakers highlighted its significance for local governance.
During the plenary, presided over by Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, the assembly meticulously reviewed and amended the bill clause by clause.
Udeze praised the members for their diligence, stating, “The bill, when assented to by the governor, will set the ground for the executive arm to take steps towards the conduct of local government elections in the state.”
The session adjourned until June 4, 2024, for further legislative activities.
Deputy Speaker Chukwuma Okoye emphasized the bill’s importance for local development, noting, “The state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has proven to be different from other politicians by promising and taking necessary steps towards conducting grassroots elections which have not been done in the state for a long period.”
Local government elections in Anambra State have not been held for over a decade, with the last elections occurring in 2014 during former Governor Peter Obi’s administration.
The 21 LGAs have since been managed by caretaker chairmen appointed every three months, prompting widespread calls for elections, particularly from opposition groups.
In a related development, a High Court in Abuja directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Anambra State Government’s use of funds received between March 22, 2022, and April 30, 2024.
Justice Bello Kawo restrained the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Minister of Finance from remitting funds to Anambra’s 21 LGAs, pending the outcome of a suit.
The court’s order, following an ex parte application by legal practitioner Chukwuebuka Mmeni, mandates the EFCC to probe the deployment of funds to ensure accountability.
