LG autonomy: Kogi to conducts Councils election October 19
IDRIS AHMED, Lokoja.
In compliance with the last week Supreme court’s judgement, declaring Caretaker Committees running affairs of Local government Councils illegal, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, (SIEC), has fixed October 19, 2024 for the conduct of democratic local government election in the state.
The apex Court also ordered that he Federal government financial allocation to these local government areas without elected officials, be withheld just as the joint allocation account Committees in the states be are no longer recognized under the law.
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At a stakeholders meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Chairman, Kogi state Independently Electoral Commission, Mr. Mamman Eri said fixing date for the local government election was in accordance with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and the powers vested in the state Independent Electoral Commission.
Eri said a comprehensive timetable and schedule of activities has been prepared to ensure a transparent, free, fair and credible electoral process.
“We assure you that these activities have been designed with utmost consideration for inclusivity, transparency and adherence to electoral laws. “, he said.
In the timetable made available, each candidate for the councillorship election is expected to deposit N100,000 to the commission while 250,000 is to be deposited by the Chairmanship candidate.
According to the guideline, anyone who has been dismissed from the public or civil service of the Federation or a state or local government area or private employment is not qualified to contest for any of the positions.
“Also, anyone who has been found guilty of an offence involving narcotic drugs or any other psychotropic substance by any court in Nigeria or tribunal in Nigeria or any other country cannot vie for any of elective position in the Election,” he stated.
The Commission Chairman expressed appreciation and the continued support the Electoral body has received for the successful organization and conduct of the local government election in the state.
