By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.

The Okpuno-Egbu community in Umudim Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State has elected Engr. Chibueze Onwuka as the new Chairman of the Okpuno-Egbu Improvement Union.

The election held at the Obi Okpuno-Egbu’s palace on Monday, December 29, conducted under the supervision of the electoral committee headed by Amb. Paul Muoneke JP had in attendance elders and youths of the community.

Before the election commence, there was a kind of crisis caused by a set of people, who according to the outgoing Chairman,Rev. Anthony Chukwumemeka were against the peace and progress of the community.

The crisis was later addressed by the Area Commander, ACP Austin Oyamielen, who urged the people to remain calm and allow peace to reign.

Rev. Chukwumemeka narrated that some group of people that call themselves Okpuno-Egbu Indigenous been geared by Felix Okonkwo and Austin- Manuel Jideofor decided to have their meeting today at the Youth Hall, which they resisted because of the election going on at the palace.

“Today being December 29 happen to be the day we normally have our general meeting. After every four years at the same day, we do conduct election for new executives. The group came to have their meeting and election at the Youth Hall to disrupt the peace that has been in existence in the community, claiming they have court order” he disclosed.

He commended the electoral committee headed by Amb. Paul Muoneke JP for a free and fair election which saw Hon. Chibueze Onwuka poll 135 votes, followed by Christian Udojuba who got 6 votes, and Moughalu Chibuzo who got 4 votes.

The Chairman Board of Trustee, Engr. Chris Egbunam lauded the electoral committee for a free and fair election, stressing though there was technical issues caused by some miscreants which they handled using diplomacy.

“This meeting has been in existence since 1962.We resisted the court order to allow some miscreants to have their meeting outside the Obi’s palace because it was illegal.

“They invited police but we thank God that they were able to listen to our own version of the report. This is another win for us” he added.

Egbunam said Obi of Okpuno-Egbu has been doing his best to ensure that his community progresses in all ramifications.

In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Hon.Chibuzo Onwuka showed his gratitude to God Almighty and his people who found him worthy to be their chairman.

He promised not to disappoint them but would work tirelessly to restore peace and attract development that would stand out.

The New Excos elected were : Hon. Chibueze Onwuka (Chairman), Chinedu Okoli (Vice Chairman), Mr Francis Nwosu (Entertainment Chairman), Arinze Muoto, (Entertainment Secretary), Anaeme Obinna Okechukwu(Secretary), Izuchukwu Francis (Assistant Secretary), Ojukwu Chinedu (chief Provost), Mr Uchenna Igboanugo Senator (Treasurer), Nzeribe Ogochukwu (Financial Secretary).