To ease tension in the political class, Akwa Ibom government on Tuesday announced October 26 for the election of Chairmen and councillors into the 31 local government areas of the state.
The 31 local government chairmen and 329 councillors in the state will be elected and will be sworn in December 7, 2024 upon the expiration of the tenure of transition chairmen.
Governor Umo Eno made this announcement in Uyo during a stakeholders engagement meeting organised by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, Eno also presented the election plan to representatives of political parties and other stakeholders.
“This event is a precursor to all of the electoral activities that will ultimately culminate to 2024 local government elections.
“We are all aware that the governor assumed office May 29 last year and because of the shortness of time between May and December he was not able to conduct the local government elections, which is why we have caretaker committees manning the local governments.
“I know how he has pressurized the AKISIEC to have the local government elections. Nothing stops us from having the elections this year because Akwa Ibom State and His Excellency do not want to be counted among those running caretaker committees”, the governor said.
Eno assured that the elected council chairman will be sworn in on December 7 in compliance with the electoral plan of the state.
According to the timetable, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between July 22nd and August 26th 2024 while the commencement of campaigns is on August 26 among other activities.
Speaking earlier the Chairman of AKISIEC, Aniedi Ikoiwak assured political parties of adequate security and free and fair elections.
Ikoiwak said, “Given the critical importance of human and material security during elections, the Commission will take very practical measures to ensure there is adequate security before, during and after this year’s elections.”
