By Chidimma Ikenna-Imo Eze
The ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi recorded a clean sweep of last Saturday’s council elections held across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.
The party also cleared all 171 councilorship positions at the ward level at the poll.
According to information gathered by The Voice, thirteen political parties participated in the election except All Progressive Congress, which is the major opposition in the State, leaving PDP to sweep all the polls .
Announcing the result the Chairman of Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, EBSIEC, Jossy Eze, stated that the Commission welcomed and adopted the results of the Chairmanship and Councillorship elections as announced by the various LGs returning officers.
He commended the state government for non-interference in the election which he said was a hitch-free exercise , he called on the winners to accommodate all and sundry in the running of the affairs of the government.
“The election has been won and lost, but the victory is for everybody who participated in the elections; the winners should carry everybody along and everyone should contribute in delivering democratic dividends to people at the grassroots.
The winners as announced by EBSIEC Chairman include “Chief Emmanuel Nwangele returning as the Abakaliki LGA Chairman, Mrs Obiageri Oko-Enyim for Afikpo North while Chief Eni Uduma is for Afikpo South; Mrs Chinyere Nwogbaga returned to Ebonyi LGA.”
Others include “Chief Paul Nwogha for Izzi LGA, Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku for Ohaozara LGA, Clement Odah for Ohaukwu LGA, and Mr Felix Igboke for Onicha LGA.
Dr Nora Alo for Ezza North LGA, Mr Kenneth Eze to Chair Ezza South LGA, Chief Stephen Orogwu for kwo LGA, Mr Henry Eze for Ishiellu, then, Mr Onyebuchi Ogbadu elected to Chair Ivo LGA.” He stated.
However, during the election exercise the Deputy Governor, Dr.Eric Kelechi Igwe interactig with news men and electoral observers from various States of the Federation, after casting his vote at his polling unit at Onu Nwakpu, reiterated governement’s commitment towards good leadership.
Dr. Kelechi described the election as peaceful while maintaining that he alongside other government officials are threading the pace already set by the Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi to ensure that the State reach its pedestral of greatness.
Stating ““The Governor is not just a Governor but also a party leader and knowing politics, he has done so well that the manifestation is so rapid.
“As you were coming into Ebonyi, you would have seen that there is evidence of good governance in the state, unlike some other countries not States, where you will get to and they will tell you that there is uprising here and there because the people are no longer happy.
“We thank God; we thank our Governor. We commend him and we will continue to build memories of what he is doing to make Ebonyi the best and the greatest state in Nigeria.” He said.
On his part, the candidate for Ikwo Local Government Council Chairmanship position, Elder Steve Orogwu while addressing news men in his polling unit , Ndechi-Ekpomaka ward 005 , expressed optimism that he would emerge victorious in the election.
Elder Orogwu appreciated the people of Ikwo for coming out en mass to vote, while commending the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) and the ad-hoc staff for their commitments and their early arrival with the electoral materials.
Stating “the people are very happy, there is large turn out and there is high expectation that the result would be declared in favour of their son and that is myself. So we are in high spirit. ” he said
Speaking to the press in her polling unit, the former ALGON Secretary and the incoming chairman of Ebonyi LGA Chief Hon. Mrs. Chinyere Nwogbaga lauded the State Governor, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi and wife, Chief Mrs Rachel Ogonna Umahi for the peaceful conduct of the local government council election in the State, describing the election as free and fair.
Hon.Nwogbaga expressed optimism over the result, stating that the electorates complied with the electoral rules and the COVID-19 regulations in all the polling units in the council. She urged Ebonyians to continue to support the Governor for his good works in the State.
Also speaking, the member representing Ikwo South constituency, Hon Moses Odunwa and the coordinator Igbudu Development Centre, Hon Mrs Onele Nkechi appreciated the governor for giving the people the opportunity to elect their leaders, while describing the turnout of the voters in the council as impressive, they further commended EBSIEC and security agencies for ensuring a hitch-free exercise in the state and the voters also for being orderly.
