Good People of Umunwaku Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area last Friday filed out to elect a new Eze in the person of Elder Basil Ugochukwu.
Elder Basil Ugochukwu, a retired public servant pulled 1604 votes to defeat his only opponent Elder Jonathan Akujinwa who garnered 959 votes.
The Ezeship election which took place at Central School Umunwaku commenced simultaneously with accreditation and proper voting witnessed a large turn out of adult indigents of the community who cast their votes in orderly and peaceful manner.
Declaring the result, the Chairman, Umunwaku Ezeship General Election Screening/ Selection Committee, Chief Boniface Akarula announced that Basil Ugochukwu pulled 1604 votes to beat his opponent Jonathan Akujinwa that garnered 959 votes.
Chief Akarula pointed out that out of the total votes of 2598 cast ,only 35 votes were voided adding that by scoring the simple majority Elder Basil Ugochukwu is declared winner and returned Eze- elect of Umunwaku Autonomous Community.
Fielding questions shortly after, the Electoral chairman who expressed a sign of relief that the process which began over a year ago, that had kept him restless, had finally come to successful conclusion appreciated the efforts of Umunwaku people and the security agencies in making the election a success.
In his words,’ we started with trimming the number of candidates from six to two. The day we conducted the election to trim the number down to two it was a success too. To God be the glory that we have conducted, to the best of our knowledge, the most peaceful, fairest and most credible election today.
Addressing newsmen, President General, Umunwaku Autonomous Community, Hon. Vitalis Jiakpunna noted that the Ezeship stool of the community is rational adding the stool this time rotated to Obogwe following the death of the former eze who came from Amafor.
Describing the election as not only free and fair but also credible and peaceful through which the people of Umunwaku have expressed their general decision, Hon. Jiakpunna thanking the people, the electoral committee, the candidates and the chairman Ohaji/Egbema local government area for their contributions in ensuring the election was successful. In his words,’ I immensely thank God for granting me the grace to see another change of leadership barton in the community.
Adding his voice, the visibly happy newly elected eze -elect Elder Basil Ugochukwu expressed gratitude to the people for choosing him as their eze promising not to disappoint the people even as he said he would bring his opponents on board to give the people the desired leadership that will bring development to the community.
Elder Ugochukwu who said he was humbled by the massive support of the people of Umunwaku promised to bring his experience as a seasoned public servant to bear and called all hands to be on deck.
Heads of security agencies in the area such as Department of State services, Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence and local vigilante group were all present and ensured the exercise was peaceful and safe and there was no record of violence during and after the election.
Rather happiness, joy and jubilations rented the air as soon as the winner was declared.
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