Watemi, Emerges President-General of Ebor-Orogun Community
By Tony Akpoesiri Ibeh
It was a new dawn for the community of Ebor-Orogun in Ughelli-North Local Government Area of Delta State, as it gets a new elected President-General on Sunday December, 24 2023, to Pilot the affairs of the community for a speedy development and to serve as a unifier in installing peace and unity in the community. It was a keenly-contested but peaceful and transparent election amongst three contestants. The new executive members are to lead the community in the areas of development for the next four years, in line with the constitution of Ebor Development Union (EDU).
Before the election, the three contestants were asked to present their manifestos and were subjected to gruelling scrutiny and a barrage of questions by residents of the Ebor community.
Mr. Friday Obaro Watemi (FCA), a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria was declared the winner having polled a total vote of 186 to beat his distance rival, Dr. Alex Roy Omoni who polled 51 votes. Mr. Benson Ovietobore Otoloh came third with 24 votes.
The election was adjudged as one of the best elections conducted so far, having being peaceful, transparent, free and fair under the electoral leadership of Mr. Lucky Eyonobor, Chairman of the Ebor Sons & Daughters, who adopted the secret ballot system as enshrined in the constitution of EDU. Other executive members are Mr Dennis Onyenwenu who was elected unopposed and the General Secretary, Festus Odiru being appointed by the new elected President General.
In his acceptance speech, Watemi said, “To my fellow contestants, this victory is for all of us. I will seek your guidance and tap into your wisdom, including that of the outgoing Exco. I thank Chief Benson Ndakara for taking the time to witness this election. It shows its importance to him and our traditional council. As an accountant and auditor, we will ensure proper recording and accountability to the Ebor Community.”
Meanwhile, while inaugurating the new Executive Committee, Chief (Barr.) Benson Ndakara tasked them to be “honest, hardworking, and to seek to promote the interests of Ebor Development Union.”
“I am happy about the peaceful conduct of the election. I want to express my appreciation to the electoral officers for applying wisdom and integrity. There was no controversy or rigging; it was free and fair. I congratulate the President and the incoming executive committee. I also find inspiration in the President’s speech, which could be interpreted to mean that there are ‘no victors, no vanquished’”, Ndakara said.
While making donation for the development of the community, Chief Ndakara and Oliseyenum Wilson donated one million naira each, the Ebor Traditional Council (ETC) 500,000, Ebor Sons & Daughters 160,000, Lagos Branch of the EDU 50,000, among other donations from branches and individuals.