With the confirmation of key members of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) by the Abia State House of Assembly, local government polls are set to proceed. The Assembly also approved a significant virement bill, reallocating funds in the 2024 budget.
In a significant move that paves the way for local government elections in Abia State, the Abia State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of key members of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC). The confirmations were announced during the House’s plenary session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Augustine Okezie.
Professor George Chima, who was nominated by Governor Alex Otti, has been confirmed as the Chairman-designate of ABSIEC. Alongside him, the Assembly also approved the appointments of Dr. Kelechi Okere, Joseph Uzoma Akara, Nkemdirim Kalu, and Bertha Ehumadu as members of the electoral commission. These confirmations are crucial as they signal the readiness of the state to conduct local government elections.
However, two nominees, Ekele Queen Ahuchogu and Onyemauche Elekwe, were not present at the screening and will be considered by the Assembly at a later date.
In addition to confirming ABSIEC members, the Assembly also confirmed the appointment of Mrs. Eke Ngozi Ogbonnaya-Ugwo as the Auditor General of the state. This appointment is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the state’s financial management.
The House also passed the Abia State 2024 Appropriation Virement Bill into law. This bill permits the reallocation of N171.07 billion within the 2024 budget to meet the financial needs of the state government until the end of the year.
These developments underscore the Abia State government’s commitment to ensuring that local governance is conducted smoothly and transparently, starting with the upcoming local government elections.
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