For far too long, local governments in Imo State have been stagnant, redundant, and ineffective, failing to serve the people.
This has resulted in underdevelopment, denying the rural populace basic amenities like schools, healthcare, and roads.
Insecurity has also thrived in Imo State due to the absence of effective governance at the local level.
The root cause of under development in the hinterlands lies in the deviation of local governments from their constitutional responsibility to serve the people. Instead, they have become appendages of state governors, who divert local government funds meant for grassroots development.
However, the recent local government election in Imo State on September 21 offers a glimmer of hope despite the imperfections about the polls.
Following the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy, the election has brought in chairmen and councillors. It has seemingly democratized the local government system in the State though with eyebrows raised over the non transparent manner the election was conducted
Concerns surround the election’s credibility due to subpar standards.
The electoral umpire,Imo State Independent Electoral Commission,ISIEC, clearly failed to ensure a transparent, free, fair, and credible local government election by violating its own guidelines and commiting many infractions.
The commission’s handling of the elections was marred by numerous imperfections, casting a dark shadow on the legitimacy of the polls.
Reports had emerged of critical infractions on the part of ISIEC, including the absence of result sheets at polling units, non-availability of polling officers in most areas, and the inability to publish the voters’ register.
To make matters worse, election materials were deployed late, further eroding public trust in the process.
These glaring irregularities had raised eyebrows among stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which had called for the postponement of the elections, citing ISIEC’s incompetence and potential for sham elections
However, this underscores or reinforce the need for genuine electoral reforms to address imperfections in Nigeria’s electoral system. Flawed elections are a widespread issue in Nigeria, not unique or peculiar to Imo State.
The National Assembly needs to swiftly pass the bill establishing a special Electoral Commission to oversee local government elections in Nigeria. This reform is crucial for ensuring the democratic process is upheld at the grassroots level. Currently, local government elections in Nigeria, not just in Imo, have been marred by inconsistencies and a lack of transparency.
With local government elections seemingly held in the State, chairmen and councillors must prioritize development amd prosperity, managing LGA funds responsibly and transparently.
Some of the key expectations from the local government administration, include provide basic amenities and services to rural communities, manage LGA funds responsibly and transparently, focus on initiatives that will promote economic growth and well-being, and more importantly, collaborate with state and federal authorities to address insecurity.
At a time when Nigerians face enormous economic hardship, the local government administration can restore happiness and well-being to the people of Imo State.
Imo State is rich in natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas, and palm oil. Effective management of these resources can foster economic development and job creation at the local governments.
Indeed, it’s time for local governments in Imo State to take their rightful place as champions of development and prosperity. The people of Imo State deserve nothing less.
The National Assembly needs to swiftly pass the bill establishing a special Electoral Commission to oversee local government elections in Nigeria. This reform is crucial for ensuring the democratic process is upheld at the grassroots level. Currently, local government elections in Nigeria, not just in Imo, have been marred by inconsistencies
