The Eke Oyigbo Market Association on Friday 23 of November, 2012, elected its executive members to pilot the affairs of the ultra modern market, in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. The election was held at Community School, Obeoma Asa in Oyigbo, and was adjusted to it free and fair.
It was gathered that the election generated a lot of bad blood and the polity was over heated. There were reckless display of gift items such as bags of rice, goats and money changed hands, all in a bid to lure voters in their side, of course, threats and verbal warfare ensued.
This however, necessitated the intervention of Local Government Area chairman Hon. Felix Nweke to bring peace and transparency in the system.
The electoral chairman, Mr. Ejike Onyeke reacted to the allegation of hjacking the positions which resulted in consensus, termed to be undemocratic. He said “it was democracy, agreed to that consensus. Before the election, there were threats, fraud and the council chairman, looked into it and said, instead of killing and fighting, we should go into consensus, this suggestion was accepted by all the aspirants. He however, urged all the executive members to work for peace and run the affairs of the association with fear of God and be transparent while discharging their duties.
The elected officers are:
Mr. Bernard Eze – Chairman
Chief Chibuike Nnamani – Vice chairman
Mr. Patrick Nwonye – Secretary
Mr. Ohuabunwa Iheanacho – Asst. Secretary
Mrs. Grace George – Treasurer
Elder Emmanuel Azubuike – PRO
Anyanwu Jonas C. – Financial Secretary
Martin Odili Ogbonnaya – Provost
The chairman in his acceptance speech thanked God for peaceful election and promised to carry everybody along while discharging his duty creditably. He however, thanked the LG boss, for his foresight to bring peace in the association. He further stated that transparency, honesty and accountability will be his watch words.
Meanwhile, the executive members were sworn in on 27th November, 2012 at the council headquarters Afam-Oyigbo, by Hon. Felix Nweke. The council chairman, charged the newly elected executive members to be honest and eschew corrupt tendencies, bitterness and accrimony.
The chairman of the association was advised to bring all members together and run all inclusive administration. He pointed out that, the constitution of the association should be amended.
On the question of selection of the candidates for the offices, the council boss said, all the aspirants agreed to harmonize all positions, stressing that out of five persons aspiring for the position of chairmanship, four of the candidates nominated one person to be a chairman, adding that aspirants have positions in the executive.
The chairman of the association Eze Ben, after the swearing in promised to run an open door administration so as to give the people dividend of democracy.
He highlighted his manifesto:
Opening of Bank account
Provisions of convenience (Toilets for both male and female)
Partnering with Local Government to build hail for the market.
Creating conducive atmosphere for peace to reign.
The vice chairman said, “I am not against what the Local Government did, I give thanks to God and I promise to work with the chairman according to the constitution of the association and I will make sure that peace and accountability will be demonstrated”.
The secretary and financial secretary all agreed to provide data base for smooth running of the association and agreed to be committed to the ideals of the association. The provost, promised to discharge his duty creditably.
Meanwhile, the opinion leaders supported the election urging the Ben to display maturity and God fearing so as to bring dividends to the members. Reacting, chief, Lasibrey Onyeagorom, Anyioha 1 of Oyigbo, said “Mr. Eze Ben, is a transparent person”. He argued that Oyigbo people are peace loving and their hospitability was demonstrated when non indigene was elected. He asked the members to give him maximum support. Chief C. E. Ejiogu said the council boss, has the final say, we supported the move to bring peace. He however, prayed for peace and progress of the association. ####
