The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a prominent pro-democracy and environmental rights advocacy group, has issued a public statement urging Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to expedite the conduct of local government elections. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of these elections for grassroots governance and development while cautioning against the governor’s tendency to blame the previous administration for the lack of local council polls.
In a recent statement at the State Banquet Hall in Umuahia, Governor Otti announced plans to hold local government elections, marking a significant shift from the mayoral system he had introduced. This move is seen as a long-awaited step towards enhancing local governance. However, FENRAD has expressed concerns over the governor’s continuous blame on the past administration for the delay in conducting these elections.
“Blame rhetoric is not what the governor should be serving to the people of Abia after spending over a quarter of the mandate given to him collectively by voters in the state,” the Foundation stated. They argue that such discourse detracts from the pressing need to focus on the logistics and integrity of the upcoming elections.
FENRAD recalls that during his campaign, Governor Otti had promised to ensure local council elections, a promise that remains unfulfilled despite his tenure nearing its halfway mark. The Foundation emphasizes that Ndi Abia elected Otti not because of his political background, but due to his reputation as an economist, banker, and strategist who has excelled in the banking sector.
The Call for Action
FENRAD’s Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, highlights the need for immediate action. “What the Foundation is urging the state government under Gov. Alex Otti to do is to focus more on how these elections are to be conducted into various offices at local councils,” he stated. The Foundation stresses that learning from past failures should mean avoiding their repetition rather than using them as scapegoats for current challenges.
Moreover, FENRAD underscores the importance of the neutrality and integrity of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) in the electoral process. They oppose the ongoing debate at the National Assembly to abolish state independent electoral commissions, arguing instead for their insulation from state control in terms of financing and appointments.
A Tight Schedule and Supreme Court Ruling
The Foundation acknowledges the tight schedule under which these elections must be conducted. Following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, the federal government has mandated a ninety-day transition window for states currently governed by appointees rather than elected local councils. This ruling underscores the urgency for Governor Otti to dissolve the mayoral system and ensure that the forthcoming elections are genuinely democratic.
Ensuring Democratic Elections
FENRAD concludes its statement with a clear call to Governor Otti: “Ensure the dissolution of the mayoral system before council elections, as no council election shall be deemed democratic by the majority if they happen under the watch of some unelected appointees of the governor.” This step, according to the Foundation, is critical for restoring democratic governance at the grassroots level and fostering genuine local development.
About FENRAD
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) is dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and environmental justice in Abia State and beyond. With a presence across multiple regions in Nigeria, including Umuahia, Enugu, and Abuja, FENRAD is committed to holding government accountable and ensuring the rights and development of communities are upheld.
Contact Information
- Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD
Tel/WhatsApp: 08033383708, 07062949232
Email: fenradnigeria@yahoo.com, info.fenradnigeria@gmail.com, info@fenrad.org.ng
Website: www.fenrad.org.ng
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