The Executive Chairman of Mbaitoli LGA Hon Ifunanaya Nwanegwo has frowned at attempts from some quarters to dictate who the speaker of the council would be.
Nwanegwo made this know in a press release from his office that reads as follows:
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, MBAITOLI LGA
Press Release
ENSURING DEMOCRATIC INTEGRITY IN THE SELECTION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LEADERSHIP
12th October 2024
The attention of my office has been drawn to various efforts aimed at exerting undue influence over the selection of the leadership of Mbaitoli’s Legislative Council. I deem it necessary to address this matter directly and with the utmost clarity.
The cornerstone of any thriving democracy is the principle that leadership must emerge from the collective will of the people through their elected representatives. In this case, the sacred responsibility of choosing the leadership of the Legislative Council lies exclusively with the elected councillors. These men and women have been entrusted by their constituents with the power to make decisions that align with the broader interests of the communities they represent.
It must be understood that, as the Executive Chairman of Mbaitoli LGA, I do not, and will not, wield the authority to dictate the choice of the council’s leadership. Neither I, nor any other political figure within the Local Government, has the prerogative to interfere in this democratic process. Such actions would undermine the very foundations of democracy and dilute the trust that the electorate has placed in its representatives.
The councillors must be allowed to deliberate and act autonomously, free from external pressures. Their decisions should reflect not the desires of any individual or group, but the aspirations of the entire Mbaitoli community. The integrity of this process is non-negotiable, and I am committed to ensuring that it proceeds transparently and without obstruction.
In line with my unwavering dedication to upholding democratic norms, I will fully support the outcome of the councillors’ decision, regardless of the direction it takes. My office remains ready to collaborate with whoever the councillors select, as we work together to advance Mbaitoli’s developmental agenda. Our common goal must always be to elevate the living standards of our people and create an environment that fosters growth, stability, and opportunity.
I strongly urge all stakeholders, within and outside the Local Government, to respect this process and refrain from actions that could compromise the independence of the Legislative Council. Let us allow democracy to prevail and enable our elected representatives to fulfill their constitutional duties without impediment.
Our commitment is to a greater Mbaitoli—one built on the principles of fairness, transparency, and mutual respect. Together, we can build a Local Government that is not only responsive to the needs of its people but also a model of governance driven by accountability and progress.
HON. IFUNANYA NWANEGWO
Executive Chairman, Mbaitoli Local Government Area