Excitement As Ekwunife Flags Off Road Project In Enugwu-Agidi, Assures Constituents Of Legislative Responsiveness

  Excitement As Ekwunife Flags Off Road Project In Enugwu-Agidi, Assures Constituents Of Legislative Responsiveness

 Charges Contractor To Ensure Quality Work

By Linus Chukwuma

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Uche Ekwunife, PhD, has assured her constituents of legislative responsiveness, saying that she would continue to give the zone the best representation. Ekwunife noted that she remains committed to facilitating infrastructural development across the state.

The federal lawmaker who made these remarks on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, during the flag-off of the erosion control project at Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka LGA explained that her aim is to surpass her legislative goals, stressing that the people of the zone will witness more tangible projects under her watch. 

The A-grade lawmaker who was represented by a delegation of her project team led by Anambra state former Commissioner of Women Affairs, Lady Henrietta Agbata expressed satisfaction with the quality of the ongoing dual drainage project. She charged the contractor to ensure that the project is completed in good time.

Welcoming the delegation, the President General of Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union, Hon. Ebuka Onuorah lauded Ekwunife's developmental strides across the state, adding that he is excited that the great feat [flag off] is happening in his tenure. He noted that the road links Enugwu-Agidi to Isuanaocha and said that he was optimistic that the project will improve economic activities within the two communities and beyond.

"Ekwunife is one of the finest lawmakers in Nigeria. She is known for quality representation. I am sure that she will complete this project in record time", the PG noted.

In his remarks, Barrister Fidelis Anyanaegbu said that Ekwunife has set an enviable record and would find it very easy to be re-elected in 2023. According to him, the federal lawmaker is not the only Senator in Nigeria but we[constituents] bear witness to the different projects she either flags off or commissions weekly in the state.

Speaking further, the legal luminary who represented the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche explained that a widow in the community by name Mrs. Maureen Okekenta is one of the beneficiaries of the 3-bedroom bungalow that Ekwunife had facilitated for the less privileged in the state. He added that the project is nearing completion and will be commissioned in the coming months.

In their separate remarks, a PDP stakeholder in the community, Sir Anthony Okafor and the chairman of Obinagu Achalla village, Comrade Ebuka Ementa said that the performance of the Senator shows she would do more if given greater leadership responsibilities. The duo appreciated the Chairman Senate Committee on Science Technology and Innovation for her legislative efforts aimed at rapidly developing the Senatorial District.

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EXCLUSIVE: INEC replies Presidency, endorses Electoral Bill

Professor mahmood Yakubu

The presidency had earlier written to INEC to seek its view on the Electoral Bill.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has offered a “general” endorsement of the Electoral Bill but made an apparent suggestion to President Muhammadu Buhari to consult with political parties and security agencies over the controversial direct primaries provision, PREMIUM TIMES understands.

The National Assembly had on November 19 transmitted the bill to President Muhammadu Buhari, who, statutorily, has 30 days to assent to or veto the proposed law. The bill, which repeals the extant Electoral Act 2010 as altered, seeks to make direct primaries the only means for political parties to select their candidates for elections and legalise electronic transmission of results, among other provisions.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, had on November 29 written INEC, seeking its “detailed and considered view by December 3 to inform” the decision of Mr Buhari on the bill, presidency sources confided in PREMIUM TIMES.

Especially regarding the direct primaries provision, which outlaws the delegate or indirect system, the bill has caused a split in the ruling party, APC. While the APC-controlled National Assembly leadership and Bola Tinubu camp prefer direct primaries, there is a tendency, including a number of governors, that want the delegate system to remain in the law book.

In the extant Electoral Act 2010, as altered, direct primaries, delegate system, and consensus are allowed as processes of selecting candidates for elections by political parties.

“It is the considered view of the Commission that, generally, the Bill contains substantial provisions that could lay a strong foundation for the improvements of the electoral process,” INEC said in a December 3 letter to the presidency, exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.

“Among others, provisions on early submission of candidates for election, electronic transmission of results, and the power of the Commission to review declarations made under duress or are inconsistent with the law will contribute immensely to better management of elections, increased public confidence in the electoral process and overall democratic consolidation in our country.”

However, the INEC letter signed by chairman Mahmood Yakubu appeared to suggest to the president to make wider consultations, making an apparent reference to the issue of the primaries, which concern political parties.

“Being a multi-stakeholder activity, these matters cannot be determined by the Commission alone without consultation with political parties which shall be responsible for conducting pre-election activities involving their members and the security agencies that have the responsibility to secure the process,” INEC said.

The failure of INEC to make direct reference to primaries and offer a position buttresses the sensitivity of the matter, which lies at the heart of strategies of opposing camps within the APC towards clinching the presidential ticket for 2023 elections.