A prominent philanthropist in Imo State and an international business man based in Australia, Chief Chimezie Anosike Kingsley (Ebubemba Ikeduru) has posited that the Nigerian masses are the problem of the society and not the politicians.
Kingsley made this remark while fielding questions from newsmen after the youth election of his village, Umueziogwu, in Uzoagba community, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
He was responding to a question on whether he will recommend the template of the election to the state and local governments, since it was observed to had progressed smoothly, uninterrupted and was conducted with the types of materials used by INEC for the conduct of elections in the country.
“I believe that our people can actually do very well if we want to do it. We have the capacity, we have the capability to do free and fair elections, properly organized like this, anywhere.
“The question is, do we really want to do it, can we avoid getting enticed by whatever temptation or whatever we are being offered and insist on doing the election properly”.
Ebubemba Ikeduru, expressed happiness at being present, not only to witness, but to cast his vote in the election. He lauded the smooth conduct of the election, made possible by the electoral officials and which produced popular winners who are well accepted by the youths and entire members of the community.
“It is absolutely beautiful, even as it is also historical to be in my village today to witness a wonderful, free and fair election, to elect youth leaders who will pioneer and navigate the development of my village. It has never ever happened in this village. We have never had youth leadership for many years, making today’s event really historical”.
In his acceptance speech, on behalf of other newly emerged leaders, the newly elected chairman, Mr. Chikii Emmanuel Mbara, described the day as one of the happiest days of his life, expressing appreciation to God for the victory, while promising to deliver a purposeful leadership to bring peace, progress and development to the village.
The chairman who incidentally is one of the coordinators of Ebubemba empowerment scheme for youths of the village, promised to leverage on the goodwill and support of Ebubemba and other well to do sons and daughters of the village to continue the empowerment of youths of the area through donation of motorcycles for transportation, youth agricultural empowerment scheme as well as soft loans for business startups.
In their reactions, some members of the community; Rita Amarikwa, Ebere Ugochukwu, appreciated God for the smooth conduct and success of the election, stressing that it marks the enthronement of peace in the community.
After the election, Chikii Emmanuel Mbara polled 92 votes to defeat his only challenger, Nwauwa Idimogu who polled 55 votes.
Other winners who emerged in the election were; Chimamkpa Okorie, vice chairman, Lawrence Nlemauwa, secretary, (unopposed), Paul Agoamanam-financial secretary, Nnadi Chinomso-treasurer, Samuel Alvan Nwagbaraocha (PRO).
