The Enugu State Chapter of the Action Alliance (AA) has confirmed its readiness to take part in the upcoming local government council elections scheduled for October this year.

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This follows the announcement by Prof. Christian Ngwu, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, who declared the commission’s preparedness to conduct the elections on October 5, 2024.

In an interview with Daily Gazette correspondent on Sunday, Barr. Chukwunonso Daniel Ogbe, the leader of AA in Enugu State, highlighted the importance of grassroots participation in the democratic process.

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He emphasized that AA is committed to offering a credible alternative for the people of Enugu.

Ogbe detailed the party’s strategy, revealing that AA plans to field candidates for all available positions across the local government areas.

He assured that these candidates would be chosen based on their competence, integrity, and commitment to community service.

He called on the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) to ensure a fair and transparent election process.

Ogbe urged voters to support AA candidates, highlighting the party’s dedication to accountability and transparency.

Ogbe also encouraged young people to engage actively in the electoral process, both as candidates and voters, to help shape the future of Enugu State.

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has announced that local government elections will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

This date was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Christian Ngwu.

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Prof. Ngwu called on all registered political parties to align with the new date and instructed them to collect election guidelines and further details from the commission’s headquarters at Independence Layout, Enugu.

“The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission wishes to inform all registered political parties and the general public that local government elections in the state will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024.”

“Election guidelines and other details can be collected from the headquarters of ENSIEC at Independence Layout, Enugu,” stated Ngwu.

This new date comes after the commission postponed the elections originally scheduled for February 24, 2024.

The postponement followed a court order that required the commission to adjust its guidelines and timetable, as detailed in the official gazette of Enugu State on September 26, 2023.

The shift was mandated by a High Court ruling from Justice C. O. Ajah in the case of Action Alliance vs. Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (suit no. E/682/2023).

The court directed ENSIEC to amend its initial guidelines and schedule.

Former ENSIEC Chairman, Mike Ajogu, had previously explained,
“The Enugu State Local Government Election 2024 originally scheduled for February 24 has been shifted to October 5, 2024, following the court’s judgment.”

James Oparaekeocha, a senior staff of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) in Enugu, has passed away.

He died on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, after experiencing a relapse of an illness he had previously celebrated overcoming in a thanksgiving ceremony.

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Oparaekeocha, aged 56, had a distinguished career in journalism.

He previously served as the Caretaker Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu Council and was a former Chairman of the NTA Chapel.

Dame Ifeoma Amuta, the Secretary of the Enugu NUJ Council, extended her condolences to his family, the NTA community, and his colleagues.

She also offered prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Wife of Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Engr. Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Eli-Chukwu, has called for enhanced measures to protect the rights of children across the country.

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In a statement released on Monday to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration, Dr. Mrs. Chukwu emphasized the critical need to address issues such as child labor, abuse, and lack of access to quality education.

She highlighted the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children, particularly in the Enugu East Senatorial Zone.

“Every child deserves the right to grow up in a safe, supportive, and educational environment. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these rights are protected and upheld,” she said.

Engr. Dr. Mrs. Chukwu also called on both the federal and state governments to implement and enforce laws that safeguard children’s rights.

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She further urged for stronger policies to combat child exploitation and trafficking, and for increased funding for child welfare programs.

“Investing in our children is investing in the future of our nation. We must prioritize their well-being and development to ensure a prosperous and just society,” she concluded.

Various activities are expected to be held nationwide to mark this year’s Children’s Day, including parades, educational workshops, and cultural events aimed at raising awareness about children’s rights and welfare.

Parents, educators, and policymakers alike are encouraged to join the efforts in advocating for the protection and development of children.

The call to action by Senator Kelvin Chukwu’s wife comes at a time when numerous reports have shed light on the challenges faced by children in Nigeria, including inadequate access to education, health care, and protection from violence.