Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission Bill, 2024 passes second reading
By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu
A bill for a law to establish the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission and for connected purposes 2024 has passed through second reading on the floor of the state legislature.
The executive bill which was presented before the House by the Majority Leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme will enable and empower the executive arm of government to conduct local government elections in the areas when passed into law.
Recall that Governor Soludo sent an executive bill to the Anambra State House of Assembly for consideration and passage into law, seeking to re-establish the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC). The existing law, which has been in place since 2007, requires amendments to align with the 2022 Electoral Act.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the plenary, assured that the lawmakers would not hesitate to support the executive arm in its zeal to deliver the promises made to the people.
"This is the right time for the House of Assembly to do the needful. The bill is long overdue and what we are doing today is to support the executive to give back to Ndi Anambra, that which Mr. Governor promised.
"A lot of work has been put in place trying to have a bill that reflects the reality on ground", Speaker stressed,
urging the legislators to dutifully go through the bill before the final reading and passage.
Dwelling on the Bill, Mr Ofodeme who represents Ekwusigo constituency said the governor has shown that he is willing to conduct a free and fair local government election in the state by sending in the electoral bill to the State House of Assembly.
According to Mr Ofodeme, the bill which has about 110 clauses will no doubt assist the state to address the interest of both the government and those that are not in government.
The lawmakers who spoke in favor of the bill include Mr. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North 11), Mr. Noble Igwe (Ogbaru 1), Mr. Patrick Udoba (Anambra West), Mr. Emmanuel Nwafor (Orumba South), Nkechi Ogbuefi (Anaocha 1), Mr Augustine Ike (Nnewi North), Mr Obi Nweke (Anambra East), Hon. Jude Akpua (Njikoka 11), Mr Frederick Ezenwa (Onitsha South 1), Mr Anayo Okpalaeke (Aguata 1), and Mr Chimezie Ikwunne (Awka North).
The lawmakers praised the governor for his commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the grassroots through a democratically elected government, which the people have long been demanding.
They noted that the bill, once passed, will serve as a model for conducting local government elections not only in the state but also nationwide, as it incorporates aspects of the 2022 Electoral Act of Nigeria.
The legislators described the bill as timely, indicating the government's readiness and willingness to take necessary action in the best interest of the grassroots. They revealed that they have been working on the bill for six months to ensure the commission is adequately empowered to conduct a credible local government election in the state.
* Agunwa, Okeke and Abugu are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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