By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
Indigenes of Uwheru Community living in Bayelsa State, under the aegis of the state chapter of Uwheru Development Union (UDU), have elected a new executive and consequently sworn-in them to pilot the affairs of the union for the next three years as stipulated by its constitution .
The election, which took place at Opolo, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, at the residence of the outgoing chairman, Olorogun Charles Oruru, was conducted by Elder Gabriel Obavbo as chairman, and Olorogun Amos Okioma, as secretary of the electoral body.
In a free and fair election, Mr Simeon Utokoro scored 10 votes to beat Olorogun Peter Koko who garnered 2 votes.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman of UDU Bayelsa State branch, Mr Simeon Utokoro, a business tycoon, promised to leverage on the foundation already laid by founding fathers of the branch by operating an open door policy, transparent and accountable and will ensure that more members are encouraged to join the union and promote unity, love, welfare and cooperation among sons and daughters of Uwheru residing in all the eight local government areas in Bayelsa State.
Utokoro said he is open to constructive criticisms aimed at promoting the unity and enhancing members welfare under his tenure as he doesn’t claim to know everything or have monopoly of knowledge, but is prepared to serve and seek the cooperation of all.
He assured that he will not disappoint the confidence reposed on him for considering worthy to lead at this moment.
As part of his new policy trust, he has announced free registration for intending members for a period of three months, just as he has announced that, henceforth the monthly meeting will be holding outside the chairman’s residence, but at Jato Comprehensive Secondary school opposite Bayelsa State House of Assembly Complex, Amarata – Yenagoa.
Also speaking, the outgoing chairman of Uwheru Development Union, UDU, Bayelsa State branch, Olorogun Charles Oruru, who piloted the affairs of the union for two terms of six years expressed his appreciation to members cooperation, love and unity displayed towards his administration and called on all and sundry to accord the new chairman of UDU Bayelsa State branch, Mr Simeon Utokoro the same assistance to enable him succeed.
Olorogun Charles Oruru who is also the president of Bayelsa State Chapter of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, was elated over the peaceful handing over of the leadership baton and enjoined everybody to rally round the new administration.
He also used the opportunity to ask for forgiveness from anybody that he had offended directly or indirectly during the course of his leadership.
In their good will messages a one-time chairman of UDU Bayelsa State branch, Mr Emmanuel Etaiga and John Oghoro reiterated the free and fair election that has brought in the new executive and it beholds on the leadership to explore every opportunity to increase membership and ensure that all Indigenes of Uwheru residing in Bayelsa State join the fold and give the new leadership the needed support and encouragement. The election,they said was the voice of everybody.
Those sworn in were Mr Simeon Utokoro (chairman), Elder Joel Idama (vice chairman), pastor Sylvanus Irhobo (secretary), Mr Wilfred Edohore (assistant secretary), Mr David Gemeti (treasurer), Ezekiel Sapele, (Spokesman), Alexander Ewini (Financial secretary) and Mr Juilius Ubigho (provost).
