By Chuka Nnabuife
FOR whatever reason, some goons are raising dust about Anambra State’s keenness to hold local government (LG) elections. When the state proved how dubiously fallacious such communications are by setting the ball rolling ahead the September 28, 2024 LG elections in Anambra, the adversary switched to other complaints.
The truth is that Gov. Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the entire Anambra State government along with the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) deserve thumbs up for the way plans for the polls is going so far. They have demonstrated clear understanding of what is on board.
Even the most evasive follower of civics cannot waive aside the importance of effective local government (LG) system in the governance of Nigeria.
Given the duties LGs shoulder, they are crucial for development and effective galvanization of the populace of every nation. Notwithstanding the LG system being the lowest layer of government in Nigeria, the country has a robust history of critical issues that highlight the crucial roles local governments play in making the land better.
From colonial era to this contemporary time, Nigeria has been replete with developments that establish the unavoidable status of that lowest wrung of government even while they were known as native authorities or as divisions, and now as local government areas (LGA). Students of history would remember how such issues around the native authorities in the the late 1920s through the early 1930s, as the Aba Women Riot of 1929 and a series of women actions across the then Southern Protectorate of Nigeria enabled the anti-colonial campaigns that ousted British colonialists.
We still remember how the evolvement of former divisions into LGAs from the First Republic and related issues helped redefine Nigeria’s democracy and engender development. The LG system has helped, in a large way, to throw up new political leaders and new grassroots development initiatives, while making the dividends of democracy get to the locals.
Experts definition of local governments, describe them as “subordinate levels of government that have authority over specific geographic areas, such as cities, towns, counties, or villages. They are responsible for providing essential services and making decisions that affect the daily lives of residents.”
Such decisions cover issues of Infrastructure maintenance (roads, water, sanitation); Public safety (law enforcement, fire, emergency services); Healthcare and social services; Basic Education; Waste management; Zoning and land use planning; Community development; Chieftancy matters among areas in the Nigerian constitution.
It is a globally recognised factor that LGs are typically headed by elected officials, such as mayors, council members, or supervisors, and are funded through a combination of local taxes, fees, and grants from higher levels of government. Their primary preoccupation is to address local needs and improve the quality of life for residents.
Hence when, it appeared the LG system was being ebbed in Nigeria by undemocratic practices, the Supreme Court judgement came to the rescue by establishing that the Federal Government should stop payment of FAAC allocations to LGAs without elected governments.
In the same vein, Anambra State government rose to the challenge.
Building on the well established legacy of Anambra State for promoting the course of local governance, Gov. Soludo made sure the state still leads the direction.
Anambra State, for example, has held LG elections several times since Nigeria’s current Fourth Republic berthed a quarter century ago.
The state’s record is sterling.
In 1999, Anambra held an LG election, shortly after the return to democratic rule. In 2002, the second LG election was held. The third of such election in this Republic was held in 2006. Another LG election was held in 2010. It was followed in 2014 by another LG polls.
Due to clear security concerns, the sixth LG election, scheduled to hold in 2021, was postponed.
The inauguration of a new ANSIEC board by Gov. Soludo on August 6, and the signing into law of the 2024 Anambra State Electoral Law by the governor have pointed clearly to a good lead towards maintaining the state’s legacy of championing the importance of democratic LG system.
ANSIEC’s stated commitment to organising free and fair LG elections, critics have equally raised hope.
Given the election timetable that ANSIEC has published since Wednesday, August 14, ahead the election date of September 28, 2024.
It is apt to read opaque distraction in the comments and activities of those who after seeing the process so far, still stick to the claim that Anambra is not thorough in any way, on the LG polls. Though not everyone must hold the same view on the matter, especially as partisan politics is involved, for the sake of urgent needs, progress and the desire of ndi Anambra such unnecessary banters and uttercations need to be avoided if we mean well for the state.
