Ebonyi Holds Council Polls As Nwifuru Restates Commitment To LG Autonomy

The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), on Saturday, commenced the conduct of Local Government election across the 171 electoral wards in the State.

Voting opened around 8.30 am in most polling units in Abakaliki, the capital city and other council areas of the state

The elections were held to elect Chairmen and Councillors to pilot the helm of affairs at the 3rd tier of government.

The tenure of the incumbent Chairmen /Councillors will elapse by August 31st 2024.

Governor Francis Nwifuru voted at 10.45 am in his polling unit 016 Offerekpe Primary School 11, Ward 02 Agbaja Anyanwuigwe in the Izzi Local government area of the State.

Addressing newsmen after casting his vote, Nwifuru said that he believes in a democratically elected government at the grassroot.

He expressed optimism that the exercise would record a massive turnout at the end of the day.

“It is the right of the electorate to exercise their right to vote, and elect candidates of their choice” It is better for you to come out and vote for the candidate of your choice ”

Nwifuru debunks insinuations of voter apathy insisting that many eligible voters will come out and cast their votes.

Speaking against the backdrop of the Supreme Court judgement granting autonomy to local governments, Nwifuru reiterated that the apex court was right.

“For me, I believe in democratically elected Chairmen and Councillors at the local government level of government”

“The Constitution did not say Governors should appoint Caretaker Committees, it said that chairmen of local governments must be democratically elected”

In an interview, a voter at Nwezogo Polling unit, Mrs Roseline Uka, appreciated the state government for the conduct of the polls.

“We want the incoming Chairman to tackle the issue of primary healthcare and basic education seriously on assumption of office in September

It was gathered that 12 political parties were participating in the election, including the All Progressive Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP) and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

Meanwhile, the State Police Command had earlier imposed restrictions on movement to ensure free and fair polls.

According to Police Public Relations Officer Joshua Ukandu, the command will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free election.