Enugu state set to swear in newly elected Council Chairmen

Enugu State is poised to witness a significant milestone in its democratic journey as it prepares to swear in newly elected Local Government Chairmen on Monday, September 30, 2024. This historic event follows the successful conduct of the local government elections, which held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) swept the polls, winning all 17 Local Government Areas and 260 wards in the state. The election was widely adjudged credible, free, and fair.

The newly elected chairmen, listed below, will be the first to benefit from the Local Government Autonomy following the Supreme Court of Nigeria's landmark ruling, enabling them to access allocations directly from the Federation account.

- _Aninri_: Prince Nwanjoku (Ndeaboh)

- _Awgu_: Uchenna Okolo (Awgu)

- _Enugu East_: Beloved-Dan Anika (Nkwo)

- _Enugu North_: Emeka Onunze (Enugu)

- _Enugu South_: Chimezie Robinson (Agbani)

- _Ezeagu_: Chukwudi M. Ani (Aguobu-owa)

- _Igbo-Etiti_: Ikenna Nwodo (Igbo-Etiti)

- _Igboeze North_: Hon. Ejike W. Itodo (Enugu-Ezike)

- _Igboeze South_: Ugo Ferdinand (Ibagwa-Ani)

- _Isi-Uzo_: Ikem Obiora Obeagu

- _Nkanu East_: Sydney Okechukwu (Agbani)

- _Nkanu West_: Uchenna Callistus

- _Nsukka_: Jude Asogwa (Nsukka)

- _Oji River_: Greg Amyaegbudike (Oji)

- _Udenu_: Aka Eze Aka (Obollo-Afor)

- _Udi_: Hyginus Agu (Udi)

- _Uzo-Uwani_: Chijioke Ezugwu (Umulokpa)

These chairmen may also enjoy a four-year tenure for the first time, following the bill for extension to four years by the Enugu State Assembly. This development marks a significant shift towards deeper democracy and good governance in Enugu State.

Governor Barr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah has congratulated the newly elected chairmen, urging them to prioritize the welfare and development of their respective local governments. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agencies.

As the closest government to the people, the chairmen will play a pivotal role in delivering democracy dividends and ensuring that the needs of their constituents are addressed. All eyes are on them to checkmate their transparency and independence from the governor, as the people expect them to perform, knowing that government presence is not felt in many rural communities.

The chairmen must bear in mind that the participation of the people in governance does not end with elections. The people must be carried along and given the opportunity to have a say in policy-making processes and implementation ¹. They must be accountable and transparent in the management of resources put in their care for the benefit of the people.

With the PDP's overwhelming victory, the party has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots development and good governance. As Enugu State moves forward, the focus will be on implementing policies and programs that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.

The newly elected chairmen are expected to hit the ground running, addressing pressing issues and improving the lives of their constituents. They must uphold the rule of law and ensure transparency in the conduct of their duties ². The people of Enugu State await their performance with high expectations.