ANAMBRA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Reactions have continued to trail the appointment of Local Government Transition Committee (TC) Chairmen in Anambra state by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
Soludo had on Wednesday June 19 sent the names of 21 Local Government Transition Committee (TC) Chairmen to Anambra Assembly For Consideration.
The Names of the nominated TC Chairman are Dr. Chibuike Ofobuike (Aguata), Sir Ifeanyi Chiweze (Anambra East), Mr. Fidelis Nnazor (Anambra West), Mr.Romanus Chukwuma Ibekwe (Anaocha) and Mr.ThankGod Chibuike Anagor (Awka North).
Others are Mr. Chinedu Okafor (Awka South), Mr. Alphonsus Ofumele (Ayamelum), Barr. Chijoke Clement Ozumba (Dunukofia), Mr. James Chimezie Obi (Ekwusigo), Mr. Stanley Nkwoka (Idemili North), Mrs. Amaka Obi (Idemili South), Engr Anayo Ojiako (Ihiala) and Barr. Chinedu Dominic Ononiba (Njikoka).
Other names in the list are Engr Chris Obiora (Nnewi North), Mr. Val George Chinedu Ezeogidi (Nnewi South), Mr Franklin Nwadialu(Ogbaru), Mr. Anthony Nwaora (Onitsha North), Mr. Joseph Emeka Orji(Onitsha South), Barr. Casimir Nwafor (Orumba North), Mr. Shedrack Azubuike(Orumba South and Mr. Emma Nweke (Oyi).
The appointment by the governor, however has been widely criticized by residents who expressed their disappointments over the decision. They had expected the governor to fulfill his campaign promise and conduct elections, which they believe would have been a more democratic approach.
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While some described the move as betrayal of trust by the governor, others viewed the action as a departure from his earlier promise to conduct local government elections within his first two years in office.
Many who spoke to our correspondent accused the governor of exhibiting antidemocratic tendencies, which they feared might become a hallmark of his administration.
They argued that the appointment of TC Chairmen undermined the democratic process and denied the people of Anambra State their right to elect their local government leaders.
Prince Chris Azor, President, International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), and Chairman, Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), expressed worry and apprehensive over the development.
He urged the Governor to keep to his campaign promises of good governance and respect for the rule of law, describing such step as imperative to forestall loss of trust among citizens.
He also enjoined Soludo to take the appointments as the last transition to a guaranteed democracy at the local government level.
He said, “Civil Society, who have deliberately advocated for democracy at the local government in Anambra State, we feel worried and apprehensive about the present developments.
“However, recall that the Governor on the 11th of this month signed the Anambra State Electoral Law, 2024, with a firm promise to kick start the process of conducting local government election.
“We feel the governor may have appointed the new transition Committee in order to avoid a vacuum.
“Much as we condemn this action, in the spirit of partnership, we implore the Governor to make this the last transition to a guaranteed democracy at the local government level, as enshrined the section 7(1), constitution of the federal Republic, as amended.
“It’s observable that many citizens are already infuriated and disappointed by this flagrant violation of the constitution and disregard for the rule of law, leading to widespread condemnation of the appointments.
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“We therefore, remind the Governor to keep to his campaign promises of good governance and respect for the rule of law. This is imperative to forestall loss of trust among citizens.”
A stakeholder in Njikoka Local Government Area, Chief George Okoye described the governor’s action as “impunity.”, insisting the appointment of TC Chairmen was a clear departure from democratic principles.
He said, “Governor Soludo’s appointment of TC Chairmen is a betrayal of his campaign promise to conduct local government elections. Many residents who voted for him feel let down by this decision, which they believe is a clear departure from his earlier commitment.
“We demand an explanation from the governor for this decision to appoint TC Chairmen instead of conducting elections. We want to know why he has departed from his earlier promise and what informed his decision.
“We are calling on all stakeholders to join in this protest in the quest for democratic governance at the local government level.”
