Anambra to restrict movement on September 28 over LG polls

The Anambra state government has directed the restriction of movement on September 28 over the LGA election in the state.

The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) will conduct the election in the 21 LGAs of the state.

In a statement on Friday, Law Mefor, commissioner for information in the state, said the restriction will begin from 8am to 4pm on Saturday.

Mefor said individuals on essential services like officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited media personnel, and emergency responders are exempted from the restriction.

“Ndi Anambra are hereby informed that there is a movement restriction throughout Anambra state on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., as the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) requested,” the statement reads.

“The restriction order is to ensure a peaceful and seamless exercise during the Anambra State Local Government Council Election, except for those on election duties and essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited journalists, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.”

The commissioner added that strict adherence is recommended to avoid legal consequences.

On September 11, Genevieve Osakwe, ANSIEC chairman, released the list of qualified candidates for the LGA elections, adding that the public should verify the list and candidates should begin their campaigns ahead of the polls.

Anambra last held LG election in 2014 in the twilight of the Peter Obi administration.

Successive administrations in the state have installed caretaker committees to oversee the LGAs.

However, the July 11 verdict of the supreme court mandated the federal government to pay allocations directly to local councils.

The apex court also ordered the federal government to withhold allocations of LGs governed by unelected officials appointed by the governor.

The judgment prompted several states — including Enugu, Kogi, Adamawa, Imo, Kwara — to schedule dates for LG polls.