Ebonyi council poll records impressive turnout

The local government elections that took place across 171 wards and 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State on Saturday recorded an impressive turnout.

The poll, monitored by DAILY POST, was peaceful.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State cast his vote at 002 Edukwuokemini Polling Unit, Anyawu Ward in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area.

Briefing newsmen shortly after casting his vote, Governor Nwifuru expressed belief in the provision of the constitution that local government chairmen should be democratically elected.

He added that governors, still studying the judgement of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy, have some reservations.

His words: “I am very delighted and excited that despite the rain, people are coming to vote. It gladdens my heart and encourages me.

“I just cast my vote now. I believe that in no distant time, everybody who registered in this polling unit will come and cast their vote. As the leader of the party and party man, I believe my party will triumph.

“This is a free election; nobody is quarrelling and eleven political parties are here. I am very sure that at the end of the day, this atmosphere will be maintained until EBSIEC declares the winner of the election.”

Speaking further, he said: “When you talk about the local government election, I think it is very necessary for a society like ours.

“The government needs to be close to the people and it should be the person that the people elect because if the people elect you, you will have that responsibility to meet up with the promise you made to the people during the campaign.

“But if the governor gets up and appoints you, you will not make any promise to the people because you are not holding their mandate. I think these are the differences, that is why I think conducting elections for the local government areas is what the society needs.”

On local government autonomy, he said: “I agree with the Supreme Court in so many areas, and in some areas, I have reservations [and] we are still studying the judgement.

“After studying the judgement, all of us (governors) will come together and see the outcome of the judgement. Like I said earlier, I believe in a democratically elected chairman in our local government system. I believe in that and that is what the constitution says.”