From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State House of Assembly member representing Awka South Constituency 1, Hon Nigeria Mbachu of the Labour Party, (LP) has blamed increasing insecurity and unemployment in the state on non conduct of local government council elections.
Mbachu frowned at the government insensitivity to the need of having elected members at the local government councils.
He pointed out that the conduct of local government elections will assist to reduce the increasing rate of insecurity and criminality in the state.
Mbachu said that due to non existence of elected local government councils in Anambra State, all Transition Committee(TC) chairmen in the 21 LGAs, Traditional Rulers, President Generals, local politicians and other top community leaders have relocated to state capital, thereby increasing house rent and cost of living.
He noted that the lack of elective local government system has affected the development of the twenty one LGAs and one hundred and seventy nine communities that constitute the state.
“Those youths who are supposed to be groomed at the local government Areas are neglected, thereby leaving them to roam the streets and becoming easy catch for criminal activities. We are complianing of unemployment, yet government is not making efforts to allow the LGA that would absolve many of youth to function.” He said.
The lawmakers are now performing dual function of lawmaking and running of local government activities, all to meet up with the economic and social needs of those at the rural areas” he said .
He maintained that elective local government system remains the only channel, the rural dwellers can benefit fully from dividends of democracy.
Mbachu appealed to Gov Charles Soludo to remember his election campaign promises and quickly conduct the much needed council polls.
