The dispute in Ogugu Ntu-egbenesee community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State over the town union leadership ended on Saturday, as a brand new leadership has now emerged.
Our correspondent reports that in a very peaceful atmosphere and under the supervision of the government, the community elected Engr. Ben Uche as her President General to pilot its affairs for the next few years.
The election, which took place at Ogugu Ntu-egbenese Community School field, Amanabo, had in attendance all delegates from the branches of the town union across the globe and was also monitored by the Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters.
Declaring the results of the election, Chairman of the Election Committee, Mr. Donatus Anioke, said Engr. Ben Udeh from Uhuokpo Village scored a total of 153 votes to defeat his fellow contestant, Mr. Livinus Aneke, from Ugwuoma village, who scored 2 votes.
He stated that the election followed all the guidelines approved by the constitution of the town union.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, who was represented by the Director for Town Union, Mrs. Queendaline Nonyerem Odike, commended the efforts of the town union caretaker committee in organizing a smooth and free election.
She called on the newly elected town union executives to work within the ambit of the law in the discharge of their duties.
Also speaking, a community leader and former Director, National Orientation Agency, Enugu state, Dr. Augustine Okolie, said the unity displayed by the community in electing her town union leadership showed their strength when they put the interest of the community above every other thing, adding that the process reflected the collective will of the people.
Another community leader, and one of the organizers of the election, Gidim Dominic Ogbonna, also praised the peaceful atmosphere of the exercise, noting that the election had set a new example in the democratic practice of Ogugu Ntu-egbenese community and will inspire greater participation in future community decisions.
Also speaking, the caretaker committee chairman of the community, Mr. Camilus C. Chukwueze, expressed his maximum joy over the smooth conduct of the election.
He stated that the election has brought an end to the town union leadership problems faced by the community since last year, adding that he had confidence in the leadership qualities of the newly elected executives.
Mr. Chukwueze called on the new leadership to work hand in hand with the traditional institution of the community, and the local, state, and federal governments for the overall interest of the community.
He also commended the Enugu State Government led by Barr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, for his show of love towards the community.
According to the outcome of the election, the newly elected leadership of Ogugu Progressives Union General Assembly (OPUGA) include: Deputy President General 1 – Mr. Igwe Pius; Deputy President General 2 – Mr. George Ibe; Secretary General – Emma Anioke; Assistant General Secretary – Hon. Ugochukwu Udibe; Treasurer – Udeh Clement; Financial Secretary – Okafor Felix; Public Relations Officer – Okafor Gerald; Publicity Secretary – Engr. Nwoye Sunday; Provost 1 – Udefi Celestine; Provost 2 – Okolote Simon; Provost 3 – Emeka Ogbonna; Director of Socials – Mr. Offor John.
