Peace returns to Irri as Obowaye emerges PG ~ Truth Reporters

By Ovedhe Jerry Hezekiah

Peace has finally returned to Irri kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta state as Mr Lucky Obowaye was over the weekend elected President General of Irri Development Union alongside others to pilot the affairs of community for the next two years.

The election which was described as the most peaceful election ever witnessed by observers had Lucky Obowaye who had 52 votes to defeat Monday Eto with 39 votes and Joseph Kokori with 3 votes to emerge the President General among the three contestants who vied for the coveted seat.

Other members elected alongside Mr Lucky Obowaye are; Chief Duke Ekrebe as Vice -President, Mr. Agrimo Adigheji Emmanuel Secretary, Mr. Edho Othuke- Assistant Secretary, Mr. Okwazor Favour , Financial Secretary, Mr. Olomu Faithful, Treasurer, Mr. Oghale Christopher, Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Ewoma Agboge, Women Leader, Mr. Cino Obowomano, Town Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Okogba Ese, Marriage Committee Chairman and Mr. Isaac Onomeriri as Provost amongst others.

While declaring the conference open, HRM Joshua Aghagba, Amathovo 1, the Odiologbo of Irri kingdom, represented by Dr. Joseph Aghagba, urged contestants and delegates to be peaceful and orderly to ensure free and fair election for the new executives that will pilot the affairs of Irri community for the next two years. He also urged those to be elected to ensure peace, unity and sustainable development of the community even as he prayed for peace throughout the conference and electoral process.

On his part, the chairman of the transition committee, Mr Odueme Oletu Glory, commended the Odiologbo of Irri kingdom, the chairman Isoko South Local Government area, Hon. Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, President General Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, all past President General of Irri Development Union, and the Edions in council from various quarters of Irri towards ensuring that peace was restored to Irri kingdom.

He noted that the tenure of the new executives commences from December 15th 2019 and will expire on August 31st 2021.

While conducting the election, the chairman of the electoral committee, Hon Okiroro Otuaga urges the contestants to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship adding that, "Today's election is not a do or die affair. We are not here to create enmity, all we are here for, is the progress, peace and development of Irri kingdom and we all should conduct ourselves in a way that will enable us achieve positive result which is the reason why we are here today.

In a swift response the newly elected President General of Irri Development Union, Mr Lucky Obowaye, thanked God Almighty who made it possible for him to emerge as the President General of Irri Development Union. He commended the transition committee, Isoko South Local Government Chairman, President General of Isoko Development Union and everyone present in ensuring that the whole electoral process was peaceful.

He vowed never to extend his tenure of leadership, positing that, "Now that I have emerged as the President General, I will ensure that everyone is carried along. I am not here to create enmity and my number one priority is to work with the Odiologbo to ensure that there is peace, unity and development in Irri. Let it be on record today that, I will never extend my tenure than 31st August 2021 which is the expiration date of our tenure", he said.