The President of Princeton Leadership Forum Africa, Dr. Prince Chibuike Echem, has urged the newly inaugurated Board Members of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) to ensure credible local government electoral process to drive sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development of local communities in the State.
Dr Echem, also the founder of Okenwa Ogbunka Foundation, made the call in a statement on Thursday.
Recall that the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, had on Tuesday inaugurated the board of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, with Genevieve Osakwe as the chairman.
The inauguration, which took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, came after 10 years since the last local government election was conducted in the state.
Terms of reference of the commission include to organise, undertake and supervise all elections and matters pertaining to elections to the elective offices in the local government areas in the state.
According to Dr Echem, an illustrious son of Anambra State, the forthcoming local government polls in state represent a significant milestone in its democratic journey and therefore should be conducted with utmost regard for tenets of democracy.
While congratulating the ANSIEC board members, he expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on their mandate and charged them to render sterling service with integrity in line with the vision of the state governor.
“On behalf of my family and Global Members of the Okenwa Ogbunka Foundation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new Board of the ANSIEC. Your appointment underscores a testament to your professional credentials and commitment to high ethical standards for public service and an accountable democratic process.
“As you embark on this pivotal role, it is important to state the responsibilities ahead of the commission. The upcoming local Government elections represent a significant moment in our state’s democratic journey.
“The integrity of these elections will shape the future of public service and political leadership recruitment at the local levels, improve the quality of governance outcomes, and impact the lives of residents in Anambra State through the local government administration, which is the closest government to the people.
“Accordingly, I urge the Chairman and Honourable Commissioners of ANSIEC to approach the sacred duties of their solemn mandate with unwavering commitment, diligence and dedication to high standards of public service excellence. The principles of inclusivity, electoral integrity, transparency, accountability, and credibility must be the cornerstones of your operations.”
He addded that, “Governance at the local level is fundamental to our sustainable democracy and inclusive socioeconomic and infrastructure development of Anambra State. As the primary political leadership recruitment and inclusive grassroots governance gateway, the local government administration provides the much-needed platform where the needs and voices of Ndi Anambra are directly addressed, and where the principles of good governance are exemplified.”
According to Echem, “By ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process, you contribute not only to the health of our democracy but also to the strength and progress of our communities.
He added that; “Together, let us work towards deepening the quality of governance at the local governments for the purposeful development of all Ndi Anambra. When Anambra LGAs develop, Anambra State as a whole Develops. Let’s Do It Together!”
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