As October 5, 2024 date for the Local Government elections in Enugu State draws closer, the Chairman, Enugu State Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) Professor Christian Chidubem Ngwu granted ESUT Monitor exclusive interaction regarding the election.

Professor Ngwu, a distinguished academic in media and communication studies at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), hails from Ishi Egu Owo village in Enugu State’s Nkanu local government area. With degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a PhD from ESUT, he is a prominent member of the Nigerian Academy of Learners.

Reflecting on his tenure as ENSIEC Chairman, the ENSIEC boss described it as “very enjoyable, smooth, but a little bit hectic,” particularly with the upcoming elections. Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in managing the increasing workload and ensuring the electoral process runs smoothly.

With the local government elections less than two months away, Chidubem affirmed that preparations are well underway. “We are quite ready,” he stated, highlighting efforts in awareness and mobilization through radio. However, logistical movements are pending due to funding constraints, which they hope to address soon.

Emphasizing the importance of the October 5th election date, Prof Ngwu stated its sacrosanct nature, barring unforeseen circumstances. The primary elections will run from August to 16th, followed by campaigns from September 4th to October 4th.

Discussing the recent Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, the erudite scholar noted it does not affect his office. He elaborated on the collaboration with local government officials, particularly in ensuring security and the smooth delivery of election materials.

Addressing concerns about the independence of state electoral commission, Chidubem acknowledged financial dependency on the state government but maintained operational autonomy. “The state doesn’t dictate for us in most cases,” he asserted, “except for funding and staffing.”

He revealed that 18 political parties are registered for the elections, though the final number of contesting parties will be clear post-primaries. He noted the existence of some parties primarily on paper, requiring additional effort to confirm their participation.

On a personal note, Prof Ngwu described his role as ENSEC Chairman as a significant call to service, a challenge he embraces with dedication. “It’s a call to service and to move away from the sures of the classroom for the meantime. And serving the state in another capacity,” he remarked.

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The Enugu State Independent Electoral commission, ENSIEC, has fixed Saturday October 5, 2024 for Local Government Elections in the State.

A statement signed by the chairman of the Commission, Prof Christian Ngwu said the electoral guidelines for the conduct of the local council polls are obtainable at the commission’s headquarters in Enugu.

“The Enugu State Independent Electoral commission wishes to inform all registered political parties and the general public that local government elections in the State will be held on Saturday, October 5th, 2024

“Election guidelines and other details can be collected from the Headquarters of Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) at Independence Layout Enugu,” the statement reads.

The election, it would be recalled, was earlier fixed for February 24, 2024, but following a court order requesting the commission to adjust its original guideline and timetable published in the official gazette of Enugu State on 26 September 2023, it has been shifted to October 5.

The last LGA election in the state was conducted on February 23, 2022 with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP winning all the 17 local council chairmanship positions.

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