In a recent South East leadership retreat held in Awka, Anambra State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pointed fingers at the governors in the region for the prevalent insecurity, attributing it to their reluctance to organize local council elections.
During the retreat, the ADC urged the five South East state governors to promptly conduct local government elections or face legal repercussions.
Chilos Godsent, the National Vice Chairman representing the South East, emphasized the party’s stance in a press briefing post-retreat. He warned of potential court actions against the governors, starting with Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, if they do not comply with the demand.
Godsent emphasized the significance of holding local government elections, suggesting that the lack of such elections has contributed to the rise in insecurity in the region. He highlighted that many of the youths currently involved in criminal activities could have been holding positions in local governments if elections were conducted.
Expressing disappointment, Godsent criticized the governors for treating local councils as their personal assets, appointing loyalists as administrators and committee chairmen to exploit the councils’ funds.
The ADC’s plan includes legal actions to challenge the governors’ appointments of sole administrators and transition committee chairmen, aiming to mandate the conduct of local government elections across the South East.
Patrick Obianyor, the Anambra State party chairman, outlined the purpose of the retreat as a gathering of key leaders to assess the party’s performance, identify challenges, and strategize a way forward.