In what has been widely hailed as a major boost to grassroots democracy and community leadership, Ezikolo Autonomous Community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State on Monday conducted a peaceful, credible and transparent Town Union election, producing Mr. Diara Augustine as the new President-General of the community.
The keenly observed exercise, which took place under a calm and orderly atmosphere, commenced at about 12:50pm and was conducted by the community’s Electoral Committee led by Mr. Oshewe Clement, in the presence of officials from the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs.
Addressing the gathering at the commencement of the election, the Secretary to Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Barr. Casimir Ademu, commended the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for what he described as his administration’s visible commitment to peace, order and development in rural communities across the state.
He equally appreciated the Commissioner for Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mrs. Ada Nwoye, and her delegation for their presence, noting that government’s participation was a clear demonstration of its resolve to entrench transparency and due process in community affairs.
Barr. Ademu further lauded the Executive Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Ezugwu, for ensuring adequate security and administrative support that made the election peaceful and hitch-free.
He charged members of the autonomous community to see the election as a collective responsibility and conduct themselves in a peaceful manner, stressing that the local government was present as both an observer and official witness to guarantee a free and fair process.
The election was subsequently conducted through the Option A4 voting system, with Mr. Diara Augustine emerging unopposed as President-General after receiving an overwhelming endorsement of 137 accredited community members.
Other officials elected into various positions are: Okpe Francis as Vice President I; Ugwu Godwin as Vice President II; Ayogu Benjamin as Treasurer; Ezea Francis as Secretary; Ezugwu Benson Nnachebe as Financial Secretary; while Alumona Alphonsus emerged as Provost/Public Relations Officer.
In his acceptance speech shortly after the declaration of results, the President-General elect, Mr. Diara Augustine, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the leadership of Uzo-Uwani Local Government for their unwavering support to Ezikolo people.
He pledged to provide purposeful leadership anchored on peace, unity and community development, assuring that his administration would work closely with village heads, elders, youths and all relevant stakeholders to move Ezikolo Autonomous Community forward.
“I am deeply humbled by the confidence reposed in me by my people. This victory is not mine alone but for the entire Ezikolo community. I assure everyone that we shall work together to build a stronger, more peaceful and progressive Ezikolo,” he stated.
In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Ada Nwoye, congratulated the newly elected officers and commended the people of Ezikolo for exhibiting political maturity and commitment to peace throughout the exercise.
She urged them to sustain the prevailing unity in the community, emphasizing that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of rancour and division.
Dr. Nwoye noted that the peaceful conduct of the election was a reflection of the people’s readiness to embrace responsible leadership and community advancement.
Also speaking after the exercise, Mr. Augustine appreciated the Ministry of Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs for remaining on ground until the successful conclusion of the election.
He further thanked the Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr. Oshewe Clement, the Secretary of the Committee, Ayogu Erochukwu popularly known as Bontee, and Mr. David Ugwoke for what he described as their neutrality, dedication and commitment in delivering a transparent electoral process.
Among top government officials and dignitaries who witnessed the election were Mrs. Ngozi Nnamani, Director of Town Union in the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs; Mrs. Veronica Okafor, Desk Officer of the Ministry; and Hon. Patrick Ekowa, Councillor representing Abbi Ward.
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