No Tenure Elongation
The Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni (JP), has clarified that there is no tenure elongation for the current Ekpan Development Committee (EDC) executive.
Speaking during a peace and unity meeting with leaders and stakeholders of Ekpan Community at the Uvwie Council Secretariat, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Chief Ofoni explained that adjustments to the EDC transition timetable were made solely to accommodate government election schedules and other activities within the election year.
According to him, the current EDC executive will hand over in June 2027.
while the process for the emergence of a new chairman will commence earlier, with the various Etche expected to agree on the quarter that will produce the next community leader.
Nominees will undergo security screening by relevant agencies before the inauguration of a new executive.
The Council Chairman emphasized that the arrangement does not constitute a tenure extension but is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible transition process.
He noted that the resolutions reached at the meeting would have the endorsement of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.
Chief Ofoni urged community leaders and stakeholders to maintain peace and unity, describing peace as the foundation for development and progress.
He further stated that the initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, particularly its focus on peace and security.
Chief Ofoni further added that by April the nominated individual(s) should be brought to him for security assessment, so that the successful individual would be sworn in by June, 2027.
The council Chairman seized the opportunity to advice the leadership of the community to be particular about recommending individuals with credibility, dignity and repute, as he will use his prerogative to install the next E.D.C. chairman from the “Etche,” projected by the assembly of chiefs and critical stakeholders in Ekpan community if their nominees do not pass the security screening ahead of them.
Chief Ofoni assured all that his door remains open to leaders and individuals who may want to gain clarity on issues, report pressing concerns, or give dependable suggestions that would move the community forward. He urged them to continue to live in peace before the election, during the transition and under the next administration, stressing that a community that embraces peace and unity embraces progress and opportunities.
The assembly of Chiefs and stakeholders, impressed by the manner in which Chairman Ofoni addressed the controversy over the elongation of tenure of the Victory-led E.D.C. praised Chairman Ofoni for his show of uncommon wisdom, noting that such controversies are capable of snowballing into full blown crisis if not properly nipped at the bud. Chief Omoko, the Esirera of Ohore, for instance, thanked the Uvwie council Chairman for occasioning such a meeting, stating that dialogue is always a better alternative to war and chaos.
The Unuevworo of Ovwori, Chief Henry Urumeji, was very impressed by the wisdom applied by the Chairman in handling the issue. He assured the Chairman that he’ll go back with his fellow chiefs and stakeholders to uphold the peace that the chairman has sued for.
Barr Chief Victor Otomiewo, the Unuevworo of Etche r’ Oriokpor, on his part, declared that as a man of the law, he does not see any benefit in efforts made to cause problems. He expressed readiness to apologize to anyone whom he has offended consciously or unconsciously, especially within Ekpan community. According to him, by so doing we’ll start seeing ourselves as truly brothers and partners in progress.
Mr Feargod Akpowrene, speaking on behalf of the Ighwuvwie r’ Ekpan in clear terms, commended the Uvwie council Chairman for his continuous role in promoting and ensuring peace, not only in Ekpan community, but in Uvwie Local Area at large.
Speaking on behalf of the Ehweyare, Mrs Beauty Ikpesan called the attention of the Chairman to the tendency of some leaders setting misleading examples for the youths to follow. Thanking the Chairman for convening such a meeting, she appealed that leaders who are of the habit of misleading the youths should turn a new leaf for the sake of peace and for the overall good of the Ekpan community.
The quarter Chairmen on their part did not show disapproval for the decisions reached during the meeting. They commended the Uvwie council Chairman for his show of uncommon wisdom, while indicating readiness to work with the resolutions of the meeting.
The success of the meeting between the Uvwie council Chairman and the stakeholders of the Ekpan community reaffirms the commitment of the Ofoni-led administration to enhance peace and security in Uvwie Local Government Area in line with the fourth pillar of the Governor Sheriff’s M.O.R.E. agenda. It also reflects the readiness of the community stakeholders to uphold peace and work in unity for the progress of the community, setting the tone for the actialization of a stronger and more united Ekpan community and Uvwie kingdom.
The resolution which clearly addresses the controversies surrounding the rescheduling of the election of the next E.D.C. chairman was reached in the presence of the Nigerian Police, Effurun Area command, under the leadership of ACP Aliyu Shaba who was also on ground to oversee the process. The ratification was also witnessed by the Divisional Police Officer of the Ekpan Police station, CSP Saibu Braimoh and ratified by the four Inuevworo, the various Isiavwe, the Esirerhas, the Ighuvwie, the Ehweyare, the nine quarter Chairmen and the Uvwies of the Ekpan Community.
Others who witnessed the peaceful resolution by the assembly are the secretary to the Local Government Council, Sir Graham Alakabrukeme Osakwe, the Councillor representing ward 10, Hon. Steven Odiobara, the Supervisory Councillor for Education, Miss Lilian Uruesheyi, the Supervisory Councillor for Environment, Mr. David Enawore, the Chairman of Environmental taskforce, Hon. Collins Ighrakpata, the Special Assistant to the Uvwie Council Chairman on Traditional Matters, Sir Christian Eshenake, among several other distinguished personalities.
