Abudu – Following release of timetable for election in the 18 local government areas of Edo state by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to governor Godwin Obaseki, Deacon Okunbor Jonathan has hailed the governor for ensuring that only elected chairmen, and not caretakers take over control of governance at the grassroots.

Okunbor, who spoke in a chat with The Nigerian OBSERVER on Friday via telephone maintained that the governor’s decision to go elected chairmen and councillors will bring governance closer to the people.

EDSIEC on Thursday, in a notice of election signed by its secretary, Peter Ojo Esq, scheduled Tuesday, April 19, 2022 for the local government elections.

“I thank the governor of Edo state, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki for rolling out the best for Edo people to come and contest, so that he can quickly bring governance to the people. We have other states which after the expiration of the tenure they use caretaker committees to run the local government.

“But, our case is different. The governor in his wisdom after the expiration of last tenure, he seemed it fit to allow the beaurocrats to manage the councils and stabilize it, having done that for the past one year, he has deemed it fit to bring in politicians that can bring governance closer to the people, for us we are grateful to his Excellency”, Okunbor said.

He expressed confidence in the James Oyomire-led electoral commission, describing the retired justice as “a man of integrity” that would deliver free and fair elections to Edo people.

Meanwhile, according to the notice of election, on Monday 28, 2022 the commission would meet with political parties.

The conduct of party primaries will be between March 30 and April 6, 2022, while the publication of notice of polls at the ward collation centres will be on April 11, 2022.

It further noted that 7th April to 12th April, 2022, is scheduled for collection and submission of forms by political parties/submission of list of party agents, and Electioneering Campaign will commence on 12th April, 2022.

EDSIEC said aspirants who are contesting elective positions in the council polls will be screened between 13th and 14th April 2022, while names of candidates will be displayed on 15th April, 2022.

The submission of names of changed/substituted candidates and screening of substituted candidates is scheduled for 16th April, 2022, and 17th April, 2022 will be for final publication of listed validated candidates, while the electioneering campaign will end on 18th April, 2022.