Anambra lawmaker urges journalists to investigate non-conduct of LGA elections

Anambra State House of Assembly member representing Awka South Constituency I, Nigeria Mbachu (Labour Party), has urged journalists in the state to investigate the prolonged absence of elective local government administration.

Mbachu contends that the lack of an elective local government system has adversely impacted the development of the 179 communities within the state.

He pointed out that this situation has led to increased house rent, insecurity, high food prices, and overpopulation in Awka, the state capital, due to rural-urban migration.

Mbachu alleged that Transition Committee Chairmen, Traditional rulers, President Generals, local politicians, and other community leaders predominantly operate from the state capital due to the absence of essential amenities in their respective council areas.

Addressing the Correspondents’ Chapel (CC) of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) at his residence in Awka, Mbachu expressed concern over the dual role state lawmakers now play in both lawmaking and managing local government activities to meet financial needs in rural areas.

He emphasized that an elective local government system is crucial for rural dwellers to benefit from democratic dividends.

Mbachu stressed, “There is so much to be done in the remote areas, and this can only be achieved through democratically elected leadership at the Council Areas.” He called on Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to fulfill his campaign promise and conduct local government elections, stating, “Local Government, as the 3rd tier of government, is the bedrock of governance.”

Encouraging journalists to investigate the truth and hold those in power accountable, Mbachu asserted that those in power cannot be more powerful than God. He challenged journalists to inquire into the reasons for the prolonged absence of local government elections in Anambra State, maintaining that truth should always be sacrosanct.

It was noted that Mbachu had previously made a similar call during the presentation of the 2024 Budget before the State House of Assembly by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, where he decried the omission of LGAs elections in the budget.

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