Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday, 20 January 2020, swore in four new state electoral commissioners whose nominations were swiftly approved last week by the State House of Assembly.

The appointees sworn in at a brief ceremony held inside the State Executive Chambers yesterday were Mr. Solomon Ude, Mrs. Anthonia Ogbu, Hon. Theresa Egbo, and Dr. Bernadine Ezugwu.

The previous Board was depleted by the departure of four of its members, leaving behind three commissioners who could not take binding decisions.

The State Electoral Commission is currently engaged in the process that will lead to the election of 17 local council chairmen and 260 ward councilors in the State.

ENSIEC law stipulates a membership of seven and a quorum of five for decisions at its meetings.

At the swearing in event, the governor explained that the four vacancies were created by a death, two resignations and an appointment.

Chief David O. Ngene passed on, two former commissioners – Mr. Samuel Ngene and Mrs. Jane Eneh – contested and won elections into the State House of Assembly, and the Governor withdrew Dr. MaryRose Abba whom he appointed a special adviser.

“The Commission is now properly constituted and ready for the forthcoming Local Government elections, amongst its other related functions,” the Governor said.

He encouraged the Commission to conduct free and fair elections that reflect transparency, equity, and fairness.

Witnesses to a swearing in (from right) Mrs. Cecelia Ezeilo (Deputy Governor), Hon. Jane Eneh (Chief Whip ENHA, Prof. Simon Ortuanya (Secretary to Govt), Dr. Festus Uzor (Chief of Staff Govt House), and Chief Augustine Nnamani (Enugu State PDP Chair).

Dr. Ezugwu noted in a brief speech on behalf of the appointees that theirs is a challenging responsibility which they will strive to live up to with firmness, dedication and commitment.

She thanked the Governor for the appointment and pledged on behalf of her colleagues to put in their best to ensure a credible electoral process in the state.

The State Electoral Commission, headed by Dr. Michael Ajogwu, a senior lawyer, is currently engaged in the process that will lead to the election of 17 local council chairmen and 260 ward councilors in the State.

The election date has been fixed for Saturday, 29 February 2020.

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