- Governor Francis Nwifuru commended the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy but expressed reservations, stating governors are studying the judgment
- Nwifuru believes in democratically elected local government officials and expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout despite rain during the council election
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has commended the Supreme Court for ruling on local government autonomy but expressed some reservations about it.
Speaking to newsmen on Saturday after casting his vote in the council election at his polling unit in Edukwu Okenmini 002, Oferekpe, Izzi LGA, Nwifuru mentioned that governors are currently studying the ruling. The election involved thirteen council chairmen and 117 ward councillors and was marked by voter apathy and early rain.
Nwifuru acknowledged the importance of local government autonomy but noted some reservations. “The local government autonomy is right. I agree with the Supreme Court in so many areas, and in some areas, I have reservations. However, we (governors) are still studying the judgement. And after studying the judgement, all of us will come together and see the outcome of the judgement.”
He emphasized his belief in democratically elected local government officials, stating, “For me, I believe in a democratically elected chairman in our local government and it is good for Nigeria.”
Despite the rain, Nwifuru expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout. “I’m very delighted that despite the rain, people are coming to vote. It gladdens my heart and encourages me. This is a free election, nobody is quarrelling, and 11 political parties are here. I am sure that this atmosphere will be maintained until EBSIEC declares the election winner at the end of the day,” he said.