By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

In preparation for the conduct of local government election in Anambra State, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt Hon Chukwuma Pius Okoye, with other members of the Committee on Election on Wednesday commenced the screening of six members of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).

This is coming on the heels of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s announcement that he would conduct local government elections while signing the bill for the conduct of Council elections into law.

He had also announced the appointment of a six man members of ANSIEC who were charged with the responsibility of conducting free fair and credible local government elections in the state before the end of the year.

The nominees, whose names were sent to the House by Soludo for confirmation, include: Magistrate Chinelo Genevieve Osakwe as Chairman, Mrs. Benadine Obande, Member, Barr. Osita Cyril Igbokwe, Member, Sir Chinedu Anthony Nnalue, Member, Mrs. Helen Ifeyinwa Umeh as Member, and Mr. John Emeka Okeke, Member.

According to the Deputy Speaker who is also the chairman of the screening committee, the goal is targeted towards supporting the success of the Governor Soludo-led administration.

He said: "We are committed to carrying out our duties with diligence and integrity. This would certainly put paid to several insinuations from some quarters that Gov Charles Soludo is not ready to conduct local government elections in the state.

“I also wish to promise the general public and political parties that we shall ensure in the course of our screening that the best is cleared to ensure that men and women with integrity and experience are drafted to conduct free, fair , transparent and credible electoral process."