Obiano please conduct Local Government Elections, Obaze begs

www.odogwublog.com reports that the immediate-past Secretary to the Government of Anambra State and a front line contender in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze has, for the umpteenth time, called for local government elections in the state.

Mr. Obaze made the call on Wednesday at an interactive radio session on Odenigbo 99.1FM.

Since former Local Government Chairmen and Councillors who were elected during the administration of Former Governor Peter served out their tenure on January 11, 2016, the administration of Chief Willie Obiano has failed to conduct fresh elections. The administration has however, repeatedly appointed caretaker committee chairmen and council members. An action that denied the electorate a chance to elect their leaders.

While on the interactive programme, Obaze said, "There's no way you can be a governor or president and derive your legitimacy from election and then turn around to deny others the opportunity and constitutional legitimacy of elections at the Local Government level. Local Government elections is a must."

Obaze further called on state governments to provide a social safety net for vulnerable groups arguing that that is what obtains in civilized societies.

While reacting to a question on the quit notice served to Igbos in the North by Arewa Youths Forum, the former top UN official said Nigeria must talk to each other. "As a nation, we are conversant with political brinksmanship; but we must not overplay our hands.

It's never wise to play with fire standing next to a petrol can or tinderbox. It is up to the Nigeria political leadership not to allow the present political rascality translate into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

"Nigerians must talk to each other. There is too much grandstanding and triumphalism going on. In the life of any nation, holding national conversations is routine. You don't wait to arrive to a tipping point before you engage your citizens fully. The "let's wait-and-see attitude" could easily backfire. 

"As regards the ongoing agitation, the reality is that Biafra as a word, in spirit or in history will not evaporate.  Neither will Nigeria. The demands for restructuring, or any of its other synonymous sobriquets boils down to three words and aspirations; equity, fairness and justice. Such goals ought not to be too hard to attain or extended to those who feel aggrieved in any way"Obaze concluded.