By Praise Chinecherem
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has shutdown any possibility of extending the time table of the Local Government election beyond September 28, 2024.
Besides declaring the controversial September 28 LG election date as sacrosanct, Soludo also rates the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA as the only progressive party in Nigeria.
He also dismissed speculation that APGA was in crisis, stressing that no faction exists within the party.
Soludo dropped the bombshells at a meeting he convened as the National Leader of party which had in attendance the party chairmen in the 21 local government areas, councillors as well as members of the state executive council.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, accompanied the Governor to the event which was held at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center, Awka.
Speaking on the occasion, Soludo said local government chairmen and deputy chairmen candidates under the platform of the party were forming strong bond to confront the forthcoming local government election in the state.
He recalled that local government election had been conducted in the state twice after the return to democratic rule, saying that it is a thing of pride for the election to take place during his regime, ten years after it was last conducted.
Governor Soludo equally stressed that the election is a promise made and being fulfilled.
“13 days today, we will go for the local government election.
“The last local government election was conducted in 2014, 10 years this year.
“The first one was in 1998 before the democratic transition in 1999.
“When we came into office as the servant leaders, in our inaugural speech, we promised to conduct the election when ready and we were determined to keep that promise.
“Part of the promise was to produce electoral law that is largely in sync with the national act. I want to appreciate the state house of Assembly for passing the state electoral law. Soon, we will have the state-wide rally”; the Governor stated.
He reminded the candidates that to whom much is given, much is expected, stressing that the major focus is for them to develop their respective local government areas, commended Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC and the party, for the hard work.
He added that the party is supreme as everyone of them is subject to their respective political wards within the party.
“No faction exists within the party. Rather the party is now more united under the National Chairmanship of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, expressing optimism that the law will eventually take effect in due cause,” he stated.
Earlier, before introducing the Governor, the Anambra State Chairman of the party, Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye expressed high expectations that the forthcoming election will be seamless.
Those who also attended the event include the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Joachin Anaeto, Former Deputy Governor, Mr Emeka Sibudu, among others.
