*As delegates defy heavy downpour
By Ogbagah Matthias
UGHELLI – Delegates for the Oteri-Ughelli community election in Ughelli north local government area, Delta State, on Saturday defied the heavy downpour to elect chief Simon Egbenana as the new President General of the community for the next three years.
The keenly contested election held at the community town hall witnessed creams of who is who in the community as they came out en mass to cast their votes.
There was a wild jubilation when the news of the result of the election of the President-General-elect filtered around town that Chief Egbe had clinched the polls with 171 votes while his opponent, Hon. Ugbuwiako Hezekiah, scored 124 votes.
The jubilant supporters who took to the streets defying the heavy downpour, singing and chanting the people’s choice have come; the community would now witness a new trend of development where youths would be productively engaged.
Chief Egbe, speaking shortly after the declaration/ presentation of a certificate of returns at the community hall, thanked his supporters for having confidence in him and other elected officials of the community.
According to him, “There is no victor, no vanquish as it is a brotherly contest; we are all brothers and sisters in this community, and we will continue to live as one”.
He thanked the people for the peaceful election and sued for peace among themselves to attract development to the community.
He noted that the confidence the people have in him, having served as secretary-general of the Oteri Youth body, and being a vice – President for the Oteri Youth body for six years, earned him the trust to serve in a higher capacity as president-general of the community.
The electoral committee Chairman, Mr. Endurance Tettey, declaring other elected positions, said Mr. Egbonodge David Orotoma scored the highest vote for the post of Vice President General seat, Mr. Ogagona Ejovwokeoghene God’spower was declared for Secretary General, and Comr. Omoraka Omokiniovo Roland for the position of Assistant Secretary General.
The electoral committee chairman Mr. Tettey also declared Mrs. Imoniose Ejiro Rachel for Treasurer, Mr. Aphiare Akpobome for Financial Secretary,
Mr. Ekama Joseph as Organizing Secretary, Comr. Omoraka Edore Public Relations Officer.
Other elected members are; Mr. Emurotu Raymond as Auditor, Barr. Erakpofoke Anthony as Legal Adviser and
Mr. Emewhekre Patrick – Ex-Officio 1.
He expressed joy that the race to the community leadership election was peaceful, the conduct of the election was transparent, and there were no accusations of malpractice or favouritism to any electoral committee member.
