By Izunna Okafor, Nnewi
It was a historic moment of jubilation, as Mr. Henry Chigozie Anadi emerged the new President General of Ebenator Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
This was declared on Sunday, December 31, 2023, shortly after the keenly-contested town union election of the Ebenator Development Union (E.D.U), which held at the Central School Field, Ebenator, with massive turnout.
The peaceful, free and fair, credible election, which was held amidst tight security, was supervised by delegation from the State’s Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, led by the President General of Eziagu Community, Mr. Ernest Obi.
Other members of the delegation include President General of Utuh, Prof. Cynado Ezeogidi; the Executive Officer, Commissioner’s Office, Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Ezeakor Catherine; Community Development (COMDEV. Officer) of the Ministry, Miss Oluchukwu Oraekwe; as well as Mr. Williams from the Ministry’s Office of the Permanent Secretary.
Announcing the results, the Returning Officer and Chairman of the 2023 Electoral Committee, Mr. Erastus Okoli, said Mr. Anadi polled a total of 284 votes to defeat his opponents, Barr. Chidi Oranezi, who polled 153 votes.
On the Vice President, he said Mr. Amaechi Anyika, who polled a total of 239 votes defeated his opponent, Engr. Jerome Ifeanyi Igwe, who polled 201 votes; while, on Secretary General, Mr. Uzor Felix Ndianefo got 231 votes against his opponent, Mr. Cosmas Ezeotubelu, who got 205 votes.
The Returning Officer, Mr. Okoli further announced that, while Mr. Anthony Ezepuo unopposedly emerged the Assistant Secretary; Ojiego Chidiebere who got 301 votes defeated Mr. Polycarp Ilechukwu who got 131, to emerge the Financial Secretary.
On the Public Relations Officer, Anambra journalist and writer, Izunna Okafor, polled a total of 269 votes to defeat Chijioke Ndoeche, who got 166 votes.
Also, Mr. Chinedu Ebubedike, who got 219 votes, defeated Mr. Chinemerem Ejinkeonye who got 216 votes to emerge the Chief Welfare Officer. Aside the Financial Secretary, other officers who emerged unopposedly in various positions include: Mr. Donatus Odenigbo (Chief Provost), Mr. Okwuchukwu Esomonu (Auditor).
Addressing the people, a stakeholder and first indigenous Roman Catholic priest in the community, Rev. Fr. Donatus Ezenneka commended the people for their peaceful conduct throughout the election. He expressed optimism that the newly elected President General, Mr. Anadi, would lead Ebenator Community to greater heights with dedication and inclusiveness.
Rev. Ezenneka, who will celebrate his 25th ordination anniversary on January 2, 2024, further urged residents of the Community to rally behind the elected officers and work together towards the development and progress of the community, emphasizing the importance of unity for achieving common goals. He also prayed for the newly-elected E.D.U. Executives and their administration.
As Ebenator community embraces a new era under the leadership of Mr. Anadi, who took over from the outgoing PG, Chief Anthony Okechukwu; expectations run high for positive changes and collaborative efforts in fostering a thriving and harmonious Ebenator.
