By Tim Okoli
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The Action Congress of Nigeria, currently dissolving into the, All progressive Congress (APC) has sent a message of congratulation to Edo Sate for the successful conduct of local government election in the state yesterday.
In two separate letters to Edo State Governor, Comarade Adams Oshiomhole and the Chairman of Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), the Anambra State Chairman Chief Amaechi Obidike, and Secretary Barr. Emeka Ibe today urged Gov Adams Oshiomhole and the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission to ‘keep the good work going and correct lapses that were seen in the last exercise’.
Obidike also acknowledged that ‘problems are bound to occur and they did occur in the just-concluded elections, but the response by the electoral umpire and the government was commendable to satisfactory and can be said to have added value to our democratic growth as a nation.
‘It is important to acknowledge that prompt action was taken by EDSIEC to cancel and defer elections in places where the issues that cropped up were enough to affect the overall outcome of the people’s mandate and manage those areas where the overall impact was minimal’ Obidike declared.
Elections were successfully concluded in 14 out of 18 local government areas of Edo State on Saturday, while the Thursday postponed and concluded yesterday.
Mr Obidike who said he was sending the message on behalf of ACN, ANPP, CPC and APGA in Anambra State urged those who have been elected to ‘work hard in the traditional manner that APC states are known for and to justify the mandate given by the people and avoid distractions while in office.’
He regretted that ‘we are writing you from a state where there has not been any election into the Local Government since Nigerian negotiated civil rule from the military dictatorship, and this aberration is affecting every aspect of our progress as a state, but it would not blind us to good developments from progressive neighbours’
Obidike reminded them that as henceforth their in complete democracy and separation of [owners at the third tier of governance, urging them to work in complete harmony with the councillors who are the legislators at that level.
Out of the 18 Local government Areas in the State, 17 Chairmanship positions and overwhelming majority of the Councillorship positions were won by ACN while elections in Esan North-East, home of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih.
