… Receives commendation from political parties

From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka

Twenty persons declared winners of the Local Government chairmanship election held on Saturday, by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) and their deputies were yesterday inaugurated by Governor Peter Obi at the Government House Awka with a charge to provide quality service to the people.
Addressing the new council helmsmen shortly after they took oath of office, Obi urged them to always remember that their emergence was a call to service.

The governor stated that due to the respect his administration has for the Nigerian constitution especially as it concerns the democratization of the local government system every two years, it worked tirelessly to hold the election despite many obstacles.

He explained that the local government system remained critical component of the state and country, noting that his administration had rebuilt and transformed the third tier of government and launched it on course of growth while the town unions had also be strengthened.

He urged the chairmen to remain responsive to the needs and aspiration of the people.
“Some reactionaries did everything to stop it and we fought hard to conduct the elections. We have done everything to make local government work. The mandate you have today is from the people, everything available in your council belonged to them, including the resources. You must be answerable to them at all time,’’ the governor said.

He urged them to work with the newly elected governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano and his deputy, Dr. Nekm Okeke who would be sworn-in on March 17.
Obi said: “They are the people we chose, you must cordially work with them and also learn your lessons from them. All of you will work to build a better Anambra.”

Speaking on behalf of the political parties, the state chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Ken Emeakayi, commended Governor Obi for his courage and political will to conduct the election after 16 years thereby breaking the jinx, adding that the state government had maintained cordial relationship with all political parties and made clear that no political party boycotted the election.

The member representing Anocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal Constituency, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, described the success of the council elections as one of the landmark achievements of the governor and enduring legacy that would continue to benefit posterity, stressing that the governor had made the state proud through his unprecedented achievements.


Source: Sun