From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru yesterday said local government election would promote democracy in the country.
Nwifuru said an elected chairman has an obligation to fulfil his campaign promises more than an appointed chairman.
He noted that he believes in the ruling of Supreme Court on election in the local government system.
He spoke after exercising his franchise in his Edukwu Okemminin polling unit 002, Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area in the elections in the 13 LGAs of the state.
“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 that registered in this polling unit will come and 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 will declare the winner of the election.
When you talk about the local government election, I think it is very necessary to the 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 got up and appointed you, you will not make any promise to the people because you are not holding their mandate. I think these are the differences and that is why I think conducting election for the local government areas is what the society needs.
“The people should continue to exercise their right. If you did not come out to vote, there are a lot of implications. The person that will win will definitely get up and say he is not owing you because you did not vote for him. It’s better for you to come out and vote for the candidate of your choice, so that you can get up and say yes, I voted for you and you are not doing what you are supposed to do.
“The local government autonomy is right. I agree with the Supreme Court in so many areas and in some areas, I have reservations. We are still studying the judgement. After studying the judgement, all of us 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.,” the governor said.