The exercise marked a major return of a familiar figure, Chief Okechukwu Nwanvuta, popularly known as “Senator,” who was re-elected unopposed as the village Chairman.
The election, widely praised for its orderliness and credibility, was supervised by the Executive Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Chief Stephen Ebere Nwogba, who also inaugurated the new leadership immediately after the conclusion of the voting process.
Chief Nwanvuta secured a total of 121 votes, emerging as Chairman without contest. Deacon Austin Ndanyi was similarly elected unopposed as Vice Chairman with 108 votes, while Comrade Chinedu Otsuaka clinched the position of Secretary with 106 votes, also unopposed.
In his remarks following the inauguration, Nwogba congratulated the newly elected executives and charged them to foster peace, unity, and sustainable development in the community.
He emphasized the importance of grassroots leadership in the successful implementation of the People’s Charter of Needs—the development blueprint of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration in Ebonyi State.
“This election is not just about selecting leaders, but about choosing a path of unity and responsibility,” Nwogba said.
“I urge the new executives to work inclusively with elders, women, youths, and all key stakeholders for the collective good of Obuegu Azuiyiokwu Enyimegu," he further said.
The election attracted key dignitaries including the Coordinator of Abakaliki Development Centre, Chief John Nwophoke; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security for Abakaliki LGA, Mr Sunday Ogbonna; and legal practitioner, Barr. Sunday Ununu - the Principal Partner at Big Bird Chambers.
The guests commended the transparency of the process and encouraged the new leadership to maintain close alignment with the state government’s developmental agenda.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Okechukwu Nwanvuta, who was the former caretaker chairman of the village expressed deep gratitude to the community and the supervising authorities for the trust bestowed upon him and his team.
He pledged to lead with integrity and to focus on initiatives that will improve infrastructure, social welfare, and youth empowerment in the village.
“We are humbled by the confidence reposed in us,” Nwanvuta said.
“We are not here to rule but to serve—guided by the will of the people and the vision of the present administration. We shall work hand in hand with government and community stakeholders to ensure that progress is not just promised but delivered," he added.
The newly elected officials are to serve a four-year tenure, which may be renewed based on performance, conduct, and the will of the people.
Observers and residents alike have praised the smooth election.
