By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Alor Community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state has returned to peace 13 years after with the election of new President-General, High Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu.
Ojukwu’s election which brought to an end the13 years protracted leadership crisis in the community was made possible when other interest groups stepped down for him, making him an unopposed candidate.
The new president-General of Alor People’s Convention, said in his country home on Saturday that the community is “now one in unity” with his emergence.
“The magic for my emergence was God. Alor is a peaceful town. It is just a little misunderstanding and arguments.
“My people have demonstrated unity, they have been fighting, but it is time to come together as one and move the community forward.
“They simply demonstrated it with my emergence, I didn’t not expect the overwhelming support and understanding by all on the day of my election,”.
On his plans ahead to further strengthen the community, he said: “the vehicle is ready, we bought tyres and steering and we are picking the passengers, and only the honest and passengers that are willing to travel will get on board.
“But at the same time, we are not chasing anybody, this is not the time to say, this one is on this camp or other camps.
“As far as I am concern, the issue of camp or camps was dead and buried on that same day that the entire Alor people , from whatever side came together and queued behind me.
“I didn’t know even what happened, I saw it in the video eventually that every person, Chiefs, old and young came behind me in the line.
“The line was, I think, they have to form three lines eventually because the field became too small for them to queue behind me,”.
The new President-General thanked the people for the opportunity to serve the constitutional three year tenure, and assured of running an open-door policy.
Ojukwu pledged to restore peace which has eluded the people for years, adding that he would work with all for rapid development of the community.
”We know the task ahead is enormous. The community has given the new leadership this task and trust,” he said.
He commended the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, the monarch, the electoral committee and the Alor people for the smooth conduct of the election that produced him.
While commending the new leadership, Sen. Ngige had said that he is committed to peace to reign in the community.
He urged Alor Community to accept the outcome of the election, and described Ojukwu as one who will change the story of the community for good.
Also on his part, the Traditional Ruler of Alor Community, Igwe Mac Anthony Okonkwo, said that the 1992 constitution of the community, as amended in 2011 states that the Igwe is the patron of the convention at the town hall and acknowledged the conduct of the election as free, fair and credible and prayed for peace and progress in Alor.
Okonkwo commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo whom he said has come to bring solution to the problems in his domain and other communities in the state.
The Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South Mrs Obi who expressed satisfaction with success of the election, said that Alor is known for uniqueness, and prayed that God will continue to restore sanity, unity and peace to Alor community.
Also the immediate past President-General of the town, Mr. Uzoma Igbonwa thanked the people for the privilege afforded him and his executive to serve the town and expressed the hope that the new executive will consolidate on the achievements already recorded.
Other members of the new executive are Barr. Ngozi Udodi (Legal Adviser), Nze Martin Udoagwa (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Ifeanyi Ezika (Provost) and Mr Osita Okeide (Provost ll).
Others are, Mr Ubabike Emecheta (Secretary), Martin Akpugo (Assistant Secretary), Chief Ifeanyi Egwuonwu (Financial Secretary), while Mr. Afam Nwudo is the Treasurer.
The election which took place at the town hall Square Alor was observed by the officials of Anambra state government through the electoral committee chairman led by the President, Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Barr. Titus Akpudo.
