*Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has endorsed the recent Supreme Court ruling granting full autonomy to local governments.
Despite a heavy morning downpour that disrupted the early distribution of electoral materials in several local government areas, including Ebonyi, Abakaliki, and Izzi, the governor affirmed his support for the ruling while casting his vote.
The rain, which began overnight, delayed the arrival of election officials and ad hoc staff at distribution centers, affecting the smooth start of the local government elections.
Polling stations opened at 8:00 AM, but by 8:58 AM, many remained largely deserted due to the rainfall. At Nwofe Polling Units 1 to 6 in Nmgbo Abgaja ward, only a few motorcyclists were seen seeking shelter from the rain.
The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission had yet to arrive, leaving election materials unavailable at several sites.
Governor Nwifuru cast his vote at 11:23 AM at Oferekpe Primary School, Agbaja Enyanwigwe Ward 02 in Izzi Local Government Area.
He emphasized the importance of local government autonomy, stating, “I believe in the significance of democratically elected local government leaders. The Supreme Court’s ruling on LG autonomy is in line with my administration’s values and essential for effective local governance.”
Nwifuru also praised the fairness of the election process and expressed confidence in his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), securing a positive result. “This is a free and fair election with no disputes, and I am confident that our party will perform well,” he remarked.
Some stakeholders, including Egbtata Godwin at Ndi Apkarata Ibina, Polling Unit 005, and Dr. Moses Ekuma of Nwofe Primary School Agbaja Mgbo Ward 1, described the election as one of the most peaceful ever witnessed in the state and beyond.