Sir Benjamin Nnadozie Udensi (KSC), the immediate past 1st Vice-President General of Nzuko Aro, was on Saturday, the 16th of April, 2022 at the expansive hall of the Arochukwu Historic Civic Center, elected President General of Nzuko Arochukeu Men’s wing, worldwide. He defeated Deacon Kingsley Okoro Kanu (Kingmoore) by 97 votes to 90 in a keenly contested election.
No Nzuko Aro election had hitherto generated as much tension and attention than the last election.
The scenario only confirmed that indeed Umu Aro from all walks of life are becoming more interested in the affairs of Nzuko Aro and this can be attributed to the successes recorded by the previous administration.
For instance, the administration of Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa (OFR) as Nzuko Aro P-G laid the foundation for the Civic Center amongst other achievements with a proper hand over book of its activities to the succeeding administration.
The administration of Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi put the first roof on the Civic Center, attracted the sitting of First Bank branch at Oror, and brought financial accountability to the fore and also produced a detailed book for its successors while the administration of Mazi Nnamdi Udoh continued work on the Civic Center etc.
The administration of Ambassador George Ezuma seems to be the luckiest. Under his watch, the Civic Center was completed, championed by Dr. Alex Otti; internal roads were constructed courtesy, Dr. Alex Otti, Sen Mao Ohuabunwa and Sen Orji Uzor Kalu. Nkana road and bridge were delivered, the fencing of the Eze Aro palace and above all, the interest and participation of Umu Aro in the Diaspora who pooled their resources to execute projects in Arochukwu.
As the George Ezuma administration reached its twilight, several Umu Aro indicated interest to occupy one position or the other, like has never been seen before. The advent of social media created both positive and negative awareness of the election.
On the D-day, Umu Aro from branches in the South, East, West and North thronged the venue of the election to cast their votes for candidates of their choice. The national patrons of Nzuko Aro led by Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi, ably assisted by Dr. Ochi Achinivu, Mazi Dave Imoko, Dr. OJ Nnanna and Mazi Eni Paul Kanu took charge of proceedings. Prof. Okoro Ijoma and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa also made appearances.
Accreditation of eligible voters commenced in the morning and lasted till late evening. The electoral team introduced the use of tags, which eliminated malpractices to a very large extent. Accreditation was done branch-by-branch, village-by-village and club-by-club.
Observers of both candidates for the position of the President General were also allowed into the hall. Security was well manned by men of the Nigeria Army and the Nigeria Police.
As expected of such tension-soaked election, altercation broke out once in a while at the main gate, but the security personnel ensured that the situation was brought under control. Persons who had no reason to be inside the hall were effectively locked out.
Tempers flared once in a while inside the hall, as contestants disagreeing on one modality or the other. Concessions were given by the electoral team on certain thorny issues especially where some branches or villages had conflicting interest. After a long day, the house was divided into two with the supporters of Udensi and Kanu pitching their tents opposite each other.
After a hard drawn battle, Sir Dozie Udensi was declared winner with 97 votes against Kanu’s 90 votes.
But curiously, the outcome of the election did not go down with the Kanu camp, which staged a walk out after the election of the President General.
Their protestation did not, however, stop the electoral team from conducting elections for the other positions.
Elected alongside Sir Udensi to pilot the affairs of the umbrella union of Umu Aro for the next three years were, Mazi Anicho Okoro, 1st Vice President General; Mazi Eugene Okey Imuoh, 2nd Vice President General; Dr. Kanu Ohuche, Secretary General, and Comrade Zulu Ofoelue, Assistant/Administrative Secretary General.
Others are Mazi Ike Okorafor, Financial Secretary General; Mazi Ebere Okoro, Assistant Financial Secretary General; Mazi Adindu Elekwa, Treasurer General; and Dr. Eustace Njaka, Publicity Secretary General.
Mazi Daniel Nnorom was elected Welfare Secretary General and Mazi Chukwuemeka Okoro, Provost General.
Barr Ogbonnaya Tortty was appointed to serve as the Legal Adviser.
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