Rep. Sam Atu, member representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has hailed Gov. Peter Mbah and the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) for what he described as efforts to institutionalise grassroots democracy in the state.
Atu gave the commendation shortly after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 5, Ward 10, Community Primary School, Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu, on Saturday.
He said the regular conduct of local government elections under the Mbah administration had promoted inclusivity and enhanced the participation of the people in governance.
According to him, the local government remained critical to effective grassroots development, adding that regular elections provided residents with the opportunity to participate directly in choosing their representatives.
Atu also commended the Mbah administration for what he described as massive investments in education, healthcare, security and other basic amenities, saying the projects had given residents a greater sense of belonging.
He said he had complemented the governor’s developmental efforts through additional road construction, massive street-light projects, educational scholarships and vocational training and empowerment programmes.
On Enugu South Local Government Area, the lawmaker commended the Chairman, Chief Caleb Ani, for what he described as impressive performance in partnership with his deputy and councillors.
“The current Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Chief Caleb Ani, is performing creditably well with his deputy and team of councillors through the construction of some rural roads and social intervention programmes,” Atu said.
He said the achievements recorded by the council administration informed his support for Ani’s return for a second term, adding that continuity would enable the chairman to consolidate existing projects and implement more developmental programmes.
“We are supporting his re-election for a second term for him to implement more developmental projects for our people and support our governor on the beautiful and statewide projects being executed,” he said.
Atu also assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would continue to give its candidates what he described as block votes across the state.
“You can see Ugwuaji people voting for APC in their numbers. It will continue like this till 4 p.m.,” he said.
The federal lawmaker further commended ENSIEC for the conduct of the election, describing the exercise as peaceful, seamless and transparent.
“ENSIEC performed exceptionally well in this election, which is adjudged the most peaceful and friendly in recent time,” Atu said.
He also appreciated the security agencies and the media for contributing to the success of the exercise and for discharging their respective responsibilities professionally.
ENSIEC is conducting elections for 17 chairmanship and 260 councillorship positions across the state.
Seven political parties had earlier signed a peace accord ahead of the election, committing themselves to peaceful participation before, during and after the poll.
