A group known as Anambra State PDP House of Assembly Candidates 2019 have commenced action to compel the Anambra State government and its electoral umpire ANSIEC to conduct local government elections or face the consequences.
The group have indeed demonstrated readiness to seek redress in court through a letter dated 13th February 2021, should the government fail to adhere to ultimatum and comply through immediate action.
Their intentions was contained in a leaked information which revealed that a pre-action notice has been signed by counsel to the group Barr CJ Okoli Akirika in that regards.
It is sad to think that Governor Willie Obiano has planned to exhaust complete 8 years in office without allowing democracy dividends go round the nooks and crannies of the state by establishing the statutory tier of government responsible for rural development. An attitude that was contrary to the foundation laid by his predecessor former Governor Peter Obi.
The demands contained in the letter read, “To give Anambra State Government the due notice of my clients’ intention to seek legal redress for non conduct of democratic Local Government Election in Anambra State.
“That my clients shall claim amongst other, reliefs, declaratory, injunctive and mandatory orders for the conduct of democratic Local Government Election in Anambra.
“That I had written Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) over the subject matter copy whereof is herein enclosed for your esteemed reference, guidance and necessary action. Date: 13-02-21.
“It is fervently hoped and solemnly prayed that you will advise the Governor to do the needful and emplace or caused to be emplaced the regimen for the democratic conduct of Local Government Election in Anambra State.”
However, is somewhat strange as it is worrisome that even an APGA chieftain and former national chairman of the party Chief Victor Umeh who had in the past quarreled with and accused Peter Obi for non conduct of the LG and Council elections could now keep quiet in the face of obvious frustration of the third and very important tier of government in the state.
Could it be a case of different strokes for different folks? Well, I hope the former national chairman could once more lend his voice to this evident suppression of a very critical component of our democracy in support of this genuine advocates of good governance.
© Tony Ezike
