APC Chieftain Praises Nigerian Government for Advocating LG Elections

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka

A prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress, APC and contender for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship race, Paul Chukwuma has lauded the Nigerian Government’s initiative to encourage states to prioritize local government elections.

He underscored the importance of grassroots development, warning that neglecting these vital issues could hinder sustainable progress.

Chukwuma raised concerns regarding the transparency of preparations for local government elections in Anambra, alleging possible manipulation by the state government.

“If we don’t safeguard the grassroots, sustainable development will remain elusive,” he stated.

Furthermore, he criticized the Anambra State House of Assembly for its frequent amendments to electoral laws, deeming such changes detrimental to good governance.

He argued that legislative manipulation for personal interests fosters instability and undermines sustainable development.

Call for Partnership

Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Hybrid International Conference recently organised by the Faculty of Management Sciences at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Chukwuma called for a robust partnership between academia and society to foster sustainable development in Africa.

He emphasised that the continent’s developmental path must be rooted in its unique realities, with academic research and innovation as essential pillars.

Addressing the theme: “Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa: Issues and Challenges,” Chukwuma urged African nations to pursue internal solutions to their specific challenges.

He stressed the critical necessity of bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application to stimulate long-term growth.

“We cannot achieve adequate development without looking inwards,” he asserted, advocating for universities to assume a proactive role in addressing industrial challenges through targeted research and innovation.

Chukwuma also tackled pressing issues in Anambra State, particularly the pervasive problem of insecurity, noting that genuine development cannot be realized without the safety and security of lives and property.

“Sustainable development is unattainable in the current circumstances,” he stated.

On the topic of taxation, Chukwuma criticized the aggressive collection strategies employed in Anambra, stating that such practices are fundamentally incompatible with sustainable growth.

He expressed frustration over the cyclical nature of infrastructure development, where successive administrations frequently reconstruct recently completed roads without implementing comprehensive maintenance plans.

He further encouraged Southeast states to collaborate on regional infrastructure projects, particularly in electricity and rail transport, drawing insights from the Nigerian government’s decentralization efforts in these sectors.

The conference attracted a host of distinguished guests, including Professor Carol Arinze-Umeobi, Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and former Vice Chancellor Professor Okechukwu Esimone.

Key members of Chukwuma’s campaign team, including Director General Ifeanyi Ibezi and Secretary, CJ Chinwuba, were present, along with faculty members, students, and university staff.

Confidence Okwuchi