C’River LG Polls: Otu reduces Chairmanship Form To N1m, Councillorship N200,000
Edith CHUKU
Following the economic hardship in the country, the Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu has proposed reducing the cost of the chairmanship and councillorship forms for the forthcoming local government election in the state.
Instead of five million for chairmanship form and one million naira for councillorship as stipulated in the CROSIEC Law, the governor proposed reducing the fee to one million for chairmanship candidates and N200,000 for councillorship candidates.
A release by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Nsa Gill, revealed that Otu stated this on Wednesday in his office, when he held discussions with the Inter-Party Advisory Council leadership in the State in preparation for the elections.
Accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Governor acceded to IPAC’s request for a revision in the fees for Chairmanship and Councillorship forms as stipulated in the amended State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) law.
In response to the appeal, Otu acknowledged the challenging economic circumstances faced by all due to ongoing federal government reforms. He encouraged perseverance, assuring that positive outcomes are imminent and will lead to economic improvements.
Otu explained that the proposed reduction was without deviating from CROSIEC’s regulations, and pledged that the government will cover the balance to CROSIEC and ensure compliance with the law.
He further affirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, people-centered policies, and a fair electoral process for the local government elections.
IPAC’s state Chairman, Engr. Edet Effiom of Action People’s Party APP, accompanied by over 15 other chairmen of different political parties who are IPAC members, expressed gratitude for what they described as the governor’s democratic values.
They assured continued support as long as the administration upholds good governance practices, demonstrating IPAC’s dedication to the state’s developmental goals.
The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar.
