In a bid to ensure a progressive union and communal living for the Igbos in the Diaspora, the Igbo Union in Yorkshire (IUY) has conducted a new set of elections to pick capable hands that will oversee the activities of the Association in the next two years of administration.
News Echo reports that the election which took place recently in Leeds, West Yorkshire, had a 5-man electoral committee headed by Ndubuisi Akwuegbu Esq that saw 146 members eligible to vote and be voted for in a Secret ballot system with 3 members contesting for Presidency.
In a keenly contested position that saw Dr Nwofor the winner with the highest point of eighty-five points (85) followed by Chief Mmotoh twenty-five points (25) second position and Chief Zabedee eighteen points (18), a third position as declared by the electoral committee chairman, Ndubuisi Akwuegbu Esq.
The two contestants, however, congratulated the winner and accepted the election results with a pledge to support the new President and the incoming executives.
Speaking shortly after the event, the outgoing President, Chief Charles Ukandu who appreciated the electoral committee, congratulated the incoming administration and all the contestants and the entire IUY, reminding the President-elect that it is a call to service and prayed for a better IUY.
In his address, President-Elect, Dr E. Nwofe, thanked the members of IUY for the mass turnout which he stated was a clear demonstration significant stake in the affairs of the union.
According to him, “The candidates exhibited tremendous enthusiasm, which made the election more engaging. I must emphasise that there are no winners or losers; the union emerged victorious today. I have also reached out to my fellow contestants in a spirit of fellowship”.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the electoral committee for their diligence, commitment, and outstanding work. Their ability to manage various interests was truly impressive. The history of the Union would not be complete without acknowledging the innovative approach you took for today’s election.
He especially thanked the outgoing president, all the executives and the Directorate of OFU OBI Train 2024 Campaign Team for their efforts, immense support and to the stakeholders.
Gabriel Ajoku, Vice President-elect equally appreciated those who voted him to power. “I am truly honoured by your trust and support. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside all of you to achieve our goals and make a positive impact. Together, we can create a collaborative and thriving environment where everyone’s voice is heard”.
Ndubuisi Akwuegbu Esq,
Chairman, of the IUY Electoral Committee in his speech thanked “the Publicity Secretary-elect, Miss Nkiruka Iwuanyanwu for her coverage of the events of yesterday. The coverage is second to none and captured all aspects of the entire engagements last night. Thank you for that wonderful service.
The Assistant PRO-elect, Mazi Chukwuanu Sunday Okagbue, Anipr, while expressing excitement on being elected to serve humanity in this capacity, assured that he will use the good office to contribute to showcasing Igbo’s great culture, traditions and values. Adding that he will lobby to establish a connection between the IUY UK with our people back home using the media.
Mazi Okagbue however, pledged to assist the President and the EXCOs in consolidating the achievements of the past regime and working on the incoming President’s 4-points agenda.
In the same vein, IUY members, Dr Ntima, and Mrs Ijeoma Maduekwe acknowledged that the contested election was free and fair with the member’s choice picked out of the three worthy candidates.
“The Igbo union Yorkshire spoke loud and clear about who they wanted to lead them with nearly 70% of the electorate choosing Dr Nwofe as their president this was an emphatic decisive victory”.
“We can now move away from all that grumbling and whinging associated with our elections in the past where it was felt the system was rigged in favour of a certain clique and their chosen one”.
They admonished the union to ensure progress and navigate with wisdom, integrity and honesty in their administration.
Other IUY members who spoke expressed their joy and happiness with the electioneering process and with the final results, vowing to support the new EXCO.
Some of the dignitaries present were, the Pioneer President of IUY, Chief Servant Emeritus Mathew Nkemdirim and the Outgoing President, Chief Charles Ukandu.
Special recognitions were the IUY women’s Wing led by the outgoing women Leader Lolo Juliet Chinweze and the youth wing.
Meanwhile, the Executives-elect of the Igbo Union Yorkshire IUY United Kingdom will be sworn in and inaugurated during the End of Year Celebrations of the IUY on Saturday 14 December 2024.
The newly appointed executives were in the office of the President, Dr Emmanuel Nwofe, the office of the Vice President, Mazi Gabriel Ajoku, the office of the General Secretary, Mr Ifeanyi Madu, office of the Assistant General Secretary, Mr Nnamdi Sylvester Azike, office of the Financial Secretary, Mr Emeka Ibeh, Office of the Assistant Financial Secretary, Nze Ferdinand Agina Morgbo, office of the Treasurer, Mr Ebubechukwu Agu, office of the Publicity Secretary, Miss Nkiru Iwuanyanwu, Office of the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mazi Chukwuanu Sunday Okagbue, office of the Social/Welfare Director, Mrs Ugonne Angelo, Office of the Assistant Welfare Director, Mr Paul Nwovu, Office of the Provost 1, Mr Kelechi Uzoho, Office of the Provost 2, Mrs Blessing Okonkwo, Office of the Provost 3, Mr Chukwunweike Igwe Donald, office of the Women Leader, Mrs Ebere Azeta.
The Executives-elect were issued their respective Certificate of Return on the same day of the election, Sunday 24 11 2024.
