In just a few days from today, the much talked about Local Government Area election will hold in the state.
Precisely on the 2nd of November, 2024, Abians will troop out and cast their votes for candidates of their choice under various political platforms who will mount the saddle as Executive Chairmen of the Seventh Local Government Areas and Councilors in the 184 wards across the state.
The Local Government system is the tier of government that is closer to the people at the grassroot and is responsible for providing essential services and managing local affairs. Its functions include provision of public works and infrastructure, education, health, social services/community development and revenue collection among others.
Thus the local government system represents a critical component in the lives and wellbeing of the rural dwellers who form majority of the country’s population.
Effective administration at the Local Government Area is also very important for the overall agenda of the state.
This underscores the need for the people that is the electorate to take the forthcoming local government polls seriously and participate actively in the process as well as to ensure that only credible people are elected to manage the affairs of the local councils in the state.
In the light of the above, the Abia electorate is expected to use their votes wisely in determining the eventual winners of the election. Thankfully, today, things are changing for the better in the state and there is every need to continue in that trajectory, to the effect that the right candidates that will serve the people’s interest are brought on board to preside over the councils despite their parties’ platforms.
In essence, with their votes, Ndi Abia can bring about that change they desire in our local governments.
To this end, as Abians prepare to go to the poll, they are advised to eschew parochial sentiments as well as jettison individuals who are only interested in the privileges of political offices, without the responsibility of service to the people.
At this point, there is need to overemphasize that violence in any form should be eschewed by all during the election.
Having said that, the electoral umpire, the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) should divest itself of every form of bias and remain firms to avoid compromise and to ensure a free, fair and credible election in the end.
Overall, the overriding interest should be the upliftment of Abia through the election of candidates who share the same vision with the Governor of a new and better Abia for all.
