Peaceful election ends leadership crisis, ushers in new town union executive in Awgu LGA
The Ogugu Ntu-egbenese community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State has elected Engr. Ben Udeh as the new President General of the Ogugu Progressives Union General Assembly (OPUGA), marking a significant step toward unifying the community following months of leadership challenges.
The election, held on Saturday, May 10, at the Ogugu Ntu-egbenese Community School field, Amanabo, drew delegates from all branches of the union worldwide. It was monitored by officials from the Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters.
Udeh Wins by Landslide
Announcing the results, Chairman of the Election Committee, Mr. Donatus Anioke, revealed that Engr. Ben Udeh of Uhuokpo Village secured 153 votes, overwhelmingly defeating his opponent, Mr. Livinus Aneke of Ugwuoma Village, who received just 2 votes.
“The election followed all the guidelines approved by the town union constitution,” Anioke stated, commending the transparency of the process.
Government Applauds Electoral Process
Representing the Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs. Queendaline Nonyerem Odike, Director for Town Union, praised the community’s caretaker committee for organizing what she described as a “smooth and credible election.”
She encouraged the new executives to uphold the rule of law and work in unity with other institutions.
“The newly elected executives must work within the ambit of the law in the discharge of their duties,” she advised.
Community Leaders Hail Unity, Transparency
Speaking at the event, Dr. Augustine Okolie, former Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Enugu State, applauded the community for its unity and peaceful conduct.
“The unity displayed in electing the town union leadership shows the strength of this community when people put common interest above all else,” he said.
Mr. Gidim Dominic Ogbonna, one of the election organizers, echoed the sentiment, saying the peaceful process sets a democratic standard for future community engagements.
“This election is a model of transparent leadership transition and will inspire greater participation going forward,” Ogbonna noted.
A New Chapter Begins in Ogugu Ntu-egbenese
Caretaker committee chairman, Mr. Camilus C. Chukwueze, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the election marked the end of the town union’s leadership crisis that had lingered since last year.
“I have confidence in the leadership of the new executives,” Chukwueze said. “They must work hand in hand with the traditional institution, as well as local, state, and federal governments, for the good of our people.”
He also commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his administration’s support of rural communities like Ogugu Ntu-egbenese.
Full List of New OPUGA Executives
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President General – Engr. Ben Udeh
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Deputy President General 1 – Mr. Igwe Pius
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Deputy President General 2 – Mr. George Ibe
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Secretary General – Mr. Emma Anioke
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Assistant Secretary General – Hon. Ugochukwu Udibe
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Treasurer – Mr. Udeh Clement
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Financial Secretary – Mr. Okafor Felix
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Public Relations Officer – Mr. Okafor Gerald
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Publicity Secretary – Engr. Nwoye Sunday
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Provost 1 – Mr. Udefi Celestine
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Provost 2 – Mr. Okolote Simon
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Provost 3 – Mr. Emeka Ogbonna
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Director of Socials – Mr. Offor John
