Valentine Ozigbo, the 2021 gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in Anambra, has accused Governor Charles Soludo of failing to fulfil his promise to hold local government elections.
During his inaugural speech, Soludo promised to conduct local government elections within two years, a commitment he had also made during his campaign. However, two years into his tenure, no local government elections have taken place, and there appears to be no effort to prepare for them.
Instead, Soludo has decided that APGA political operatives will nominate names for him to appoint as leaders for each of the 21 local government areas. This move, Ozigbo claims, is contrary to section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution. Ozigbo argues that Soludo is recruiting his cronies and political foot soldiers to administer the local government areas, which allows him to utilize funds allocated to these areas to support his political structures, presumably to bolster his chances for re-election.
Ozigbo stated, “Prof. Soludo has opted to recruit his cronies and political foot soldiers to administer the local government areas. This allows him to utilise funds allocated to these areas to support his political structures, believing that will help him secure his re-election.”
According to Ozigbo, these undemocratic maneuvers extend beyond local government appointments. He alleges that trade unions and other critical sectors have been mismanaged, with touts and hirelings replacing legitimate leaders. Ozigbo points out that the election of the President General of town unions has been compromised in many towns, with the will of the people being blatantly thwarted.
Ozigbo questioned the governor’s actions, saying, “There are three levels of government. If Presidents don’t appoint transition governors, why do governors feel they can appoint transition LG Chairmen and change them at will? And if promises have been made, why break them?”
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He emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law in governance, highlighting that a proper local government election is crucial to strengthen democracy and allow people at the grassroots level to choose their leaders. This, in turn, enables the masses to hold the elected officials accountable.
“The rule of law is everything in governance!” Ozigbo exclaimed. “A proper LG election is crucial to strengthen democracy and allow people at the grassroots to choose their leaders. In turn, the masses will be able to hold the elected accountable.”
Ozigbo concluded by reminding Soludo of his failure to live up to the expectations and social contract with Ndi Anambra. “Gov Soludo should be reminded that he has failed to live up to set expectations and the social contract with Ndi Anambra.”
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