Amaoba Ime Election Should Serve as Template for Elections in Nigeria ~ Former PG

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has been advised to, from time to time visit rural communities in Nigeria to observe local elections with a view to conducting elections that reflect the expectations of the people.

A former President General, Amaoba Ime  Development Union, Ikwuano LGA of Abia State, Ezinna Godwin Ukaegbu who stated this on Saturday after witnessing the election of Amaoba Ime Development Union, believes that elections conducted by the suffering masses of the country, capture the expectations of the people than the one influenced by politicians who are disconnected from the people by virtue of their positions.

He stated that the election of Executives of Amaoba Ime Community as witnessed by all, should serve as a template for conducting elections in Nigeria.

Ukaegbu said his suggestion is borne out of the orderly manner, transparency of the Electoral body, the serenity, excitement and happiness that followed the emergence of the candidates, stressing that this is a contrast to what obtains in Nigerian election today, where it is characterized by widespread rigging, vote buying, intimidation of voters among others.

He said, “For me, the Amaoba Ime Development Union election should serve as template for future elections in Nigeria. The orderly manner, transparency and happiness that followed after the results were announced is something INEC should draw inference from. Mine is to advise INEC, to improve our electoral process. They should endeavour to send observers to witness this kind of elections, who knows, it might assist in reshaping our electoral process.

Lending his voice, the member representing Ikwuano representing Oboro Ward 2, in the 7th Assembly, Hon. Nkemjika Ubaebula, commended the peaceful conduct of the election.

According to him, those who emerged are round pegs in a round hole, adding that their emergence is a reflection of the people especially as they have served the community in different capacities in the past where they also discharged their duties and responsibilities making transparency their watchword.

He charged the new exco to refrain from divide and rule, but to unite everyone in Amaoba Ime Autonomous community, appreciating the people of Amaoba Ime for coming out en masse to speak with one voice, emphasizing the need for the election to serve as a template for several elections in Nigeria.

On his part, a former President General of Amaoba Ime Community, Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Nwabuko, who was satisfied with the outcome of the election, said the election met their expectations since the last 4 years. He charged the new PG, Dr. Chinyereugo Agomuo and his exco, to shun divide and rule and work for the collective development of Amaoba Ime Community just as he lauded the people for comporting themselves in orderly manners.

Addressing newsmen, the Chairman of electoral body, Mr Nwabueze Nwokoukwu, said his pledge to his community, has always been to serve the people diligently, saying he is happy to conduct a free, fair and credible election, urging the electoral umpire in Nigeria to borrow a clue from locally organized elections.

According to the results announced by the Secretary of the electoral body, Chimaobi Iroanya, Dr. Chinyereugo Agomuo, polled a total of 136 votes to beat two other candidates: Mr Bright Godwin and Arch. Umesi Smartcool to the position of President General of Amaoba Ime Community.

Mr Chigozie Izuzu clinched the position of Vice President after defeating Alaji Chukwudi with 87 votes. Pastor Chinyere Valentine defeated Mr Chukwuemeka Iheanacho to emerge Secretary General with 89 votes.

In the same vein, Mr Iroha Jonathan, Ifeanyichukwu polled 88 votes to defeat his challenger Mr Nnanna Ahaka to the position of Financial Secretary.

Mr. Augustine Iroanya, polled 97 votes to defeat Lucky Sampson for the post of Treasurer while Mr Ogbonnaya Uzoanya emerged as the Provost Amaoba Ima Community.

In his response, the newly elected President General, Amaoba Ima Union, Dr. Chinyereugo Agumuo, thanked God for a transparent election. He promised to unite the community by running an all inclusive administration.

He also charged all that contested to join forces with him to ensure a better Amaoba Ime, assuring that with the support of his exco, he will do his own beat to move the community forward.