CNPP hails Anambra Local Government Election, 20 Chairmen and Deputy sworn in

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties Anambra state Chapter this evening unanimously endorsed the council polls conducted across the twenty councils in Anambra state as being transparent , free and fair.

Rising from its Executive meting held at Trig Point Awka on January 12^th, 2014 , the group commended Governor Peter Obi of the All progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for being able to conduct elections in the state after about twelve to thirteen years of democracy without local council executives in the state.

  CNPP in a press statement made available to newsmen signed by state chairman CNPP , Hon Oby Okafor and state Secretary Sir Peter Okala pledged to hence forth contribute in every needful way to the growth of democratic transition in the state with the filling of council positions pursuant to the third tiers of governance.

‘’CNPP urged other political parties that secured council positions not to be intimidated by the disparities in the numerical strengths of he councilors but to muster the political courage needed to sustain healthy debate in the councils. CNPP also admonished the council chairmen to be fair and just in the administration of the third tier of governance which remains the common man’s last hope of accessing the dividend of democracy in the state.

CNPP further calls on the aggrieved political parties and individuals who may have their reservation on the processes that gave rise to the emergence of the long expected third tier of government in Anambra state , to toe the path of civility and channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters as imperfection is part and parcel of the human institutions.

The CNPP went further to call for transparency in the forthcoming election  in Nnewi North on Saturday.

Already, the 20 elected Local Government Chairmen and their deputies have been sworn-in this afternoon.

But, that of Nnewi North, where election was declared inconclusive was not sworn in.

The Chairmen had earlier collected their certificates of return from the Acting Chairman, State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo at ANSIEC Headquarters, Awka.

The swearing in, witnessed by Chairmen of 19 political parties, took place at the Conference Hall of the Government House, Awka, amidst dancing and drumming all over the State for the conduct of the poll after many years. 

Addressing the new Executive Council Chairmen and their deputies, Governor Peter Obi who recalled that the last Local Government election was conducted in December 1998 assured that henceforth, the Constitution and electoral laws must be strictly followed and Council’s elections would be conducted every two years.

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 equally be strengthened. He reminded the Chairmen that their election was a call to service and urged them to remain responsive to the needs and aspiration of the people.

The member representing Anocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal Constituency, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife described the success of the Council elections as one of landmarks achievements of the Governor and enduring legacy that would continue to benefit posterity, noting that the Governor has made the State proud through his unprecedented achievements.

Speaking on behalf of the 19 political parties, the State Chairman of PDP, Mr. Kenneth Emeakay commended Governor Obi for his courage and political will to conduct the election after 16 years thereby broken the jinx. He said the State Government had maintained cordial relationship with all political parties and made clear that no political party boycotted the election.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Afuba said the conduct of the election and subsequent swearing in followed the constitution and the electoral laws.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs Mrs. Azuka Enemuo urged the new Council administration to work towards improving the life of the people at grassroots.

Speaking on behalf of others, the Chairman Oyi Local Government Area, Mr. Uchenna Okafor assured that they would live up to expectations.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has swept all the chairmanship seats in the local government election conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission(SIEC) on Saturday.
Despite protests by various political parties in the state by some parties, the SIEC acting chairman, Chief Sylvester Okonkwo about 3 pm on Sunday announced the results of the various council areas, with APGA winning all the seats.
Okonkwo in his announcement said that the PDP clinched 12 councillorship seats in various wards across the state, the United Peoples Party, (UPP), clinched a seat while the Progressives Peoples Alliance also got one, leaving the remaining 304 wards to the APGA.
He stated that there was no election in Nnewi North local government area, and that the commission had concluded arrangement to conduct the election in the area next Saturday.
He, however, did not give reasons for the failure of the commission to conduct election in the council.
The SIEC boss maintained that Anambra State ought to be commended for transparency in elections as the state is known to be one of the states in Nigeria with several political parties in the State assembly.
 The ANSIEC chairman expressed relief that after 15 years Anambra State has been able to hold local government elections and praised the people of the state for conducting themselves peaceful during the election.
But before the election was declared some overzealous policemen and state security officials attached to the electoral commission led by one ASP Ayuba assaulted journalists that were trying to gain entrance into the commission’s office.

He also said that the transparency in the election was also shown through the clinching of councillorship seats by other political parties.
He traced the history of the failure of local government election conduct from 1998 when the last one was held and said that the eventual conduct of the council polls signified the breaking of a major jinx in the state.
“We are happy that no blood was shed, it is true that our people know how to talk, but they still maintain the sacredness of life and so no one raised a hand at the other.
“I only want to say that anyone who is aggrieved should not take laws into his hands, but should better go to court”, .
Meanwhile, APC youths stormed the State Electoral Commission Headquarters with chants of solidarity for Dr Chris Ngige, even when Ngige asked them not to contest the said election and ordered a boycott.
They also said that the election was a sham, and that APC could not have participated in such an election.

However, coalition of accredited election observers in Nigeria who observed the poll throughout 21 council areas, has called for total cancellation of it result, claiming that sensitive and non-sensitive materials were delayed, denied and distorted, adding that the electoral umpire did not distribute result sheets at most of the polling units.
In a-6 page communiqué issued and signed by the 29 Ansiec accredited observers, voters could not exercise franchise sequel to late arrival of voting materials in almost the polling units, especially at Obodo Ezi 1 and 2, Doris Inn 1 and 2, ward 6 Awka, and there was absent of result sheets at Nibo, Mbaukwu, Amawbia and Okpuno towns, both in Awka South local government area.
They further alleged that Ansiec staff and poll officials compromised election processes, masterminded gross misconduct and massive rigging in favour of APGA amidst the armed security personnel.

The observers said it was worst election ever witnessed in Nigeria, called for outright cancellation, recommended fresh poll, training and retraining of Ansiec staff and its ad-hoc workers with a view to avert future occurrences.

The communique was signed by Patriotic Women Foundation, International Noble Initiative Club, African Christian Care Trust Organization, Building Peace for Democracy, Justice and Peace Organization, Centre for Strategic Conflicts Management, and World Youth Peace Mission.

Others include Peace and Good Governance Alliance, West African Youth Peace Mission, Credible Election Network, Network of Civil Society Organization among others, and was read by Mr. James Funsho, coordinator, Organization for Human Development.

Caption for Photo

Newly elected Chairmen of Local Governments in Anambra State taking their Oaths of Office at the Conference Hall of the Government House