The President of Princeton Leadership Forum Africa, Dr. Prince Chibuike Echem, has called on the newly inaugurated Board Members of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) to ensure a credible local government electoral process.
He emphasized that such integrity is vital for the sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development of communities within the state.
Dr. Echem, who also founded the Okenwa Ogbunka Foundation, made this appeal in a statement released on Thursday. His message came on the heels of the recent inauguration of the ANSIEC board by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
The inauguration, which took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Anambra, marked a significant development as it had been a decade since the last local government election in the state. The newly appointed ANSIEC board is now under the leadership of Genevieve Osakwe as chairman.
The commission’s mandate includes organizing, undertaking, and supervising all elections to elective offices in the local government councils across the state.
The governor’s decision to inaugurate the board underscores the importance of restoring local government elections as a critical component of democratic governance and grassroots development.
In his statement, Dr. Echem, an illustrious son of Anambra State, noted that the forthcoming local government polls represent a significant milestone in the state’s democratic journey.
He expressed his confidence in the new board’s capacity to deliver on its mandate, urging the members to perform their duties with the utmost integrity and in line with the state governor’s vision.
“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,” Dr. Echem said.
He further outlined the responsibilities that lie ahead for the commission, stressing the significance of the upcoming local government elections.
According to him, these elections are crucial in shaping the future of public service and political leadership at the local level, which in turn influences the quality of governance and impacts the lives of residents throughout Anambra State.
Dr. Echem urged the chairman and members of the ANSIEC to approach their duties with unwavering commitment, diligence, and dedication to the highest standards of public service.
He highlighted key principles such as inclusivity, electoral integrity, transparency, accountability, and credibility, which he noted should be the cornerstones of the commission’s operations.
“Governance at the local level is fundamental to our sustainable democracy and inclusive socio-economic 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,” Dr. Echem stated.
He emphasized that by ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process, the ANSIEC board would be contributing not only to the health of democracy but also to the strength and progress of Anambra’s communities.
Dr. Echem concluded by calling for collective efforts to enhance governance quality at the local government level, stressing that the development of local governments is directly tied to the overall progress of Anambra State.
“When Anambra LGAs develop, Anambra State as a whole develops. Let’s Do It Together!” he declared, underscoring the importance of a united effort towards sustainable development through credible local elections.