Enthusiastic
In a closely watched election held on the 25th of November 2023, members of the Treasure Homes Residents Association (THERA) cast their votes to determine the leadership that would guide their community in the coming term. The election, conducted by an Electoral Committee, saw enthusiastic participation and ultimately revealed the chosen leaders for key positions within the Residents Association.
Results
The elected officers are as follows:
1. Okenwa Chukwuemeka Anthony- Chairman
2. Odugbo Sarah Ufuoma- Vice Chairman
3. Anthony Isibor – Financial Secretary
4. Mrs. Chizoba Obichukwu- Welfare Officer
The association however hopes to run a by-election before the hand over date to fill up the positions of Secretary, Treasurer and Ex-officio.
Earlier Preparations and Guidelines
The electoral process kicked off with the inauguration of the Electoral Committee on October 21, 2023. Comprising individuals of high standing within the community, the committee was tasked with establishing the election timetable, guidelines, and candidate qualifications.
The approved committee members were:
1. Dr. Funmi Oyefusi
2. Mr. E. Teibo
3. Mr. Maurice Edimo
4. Mr. A. Adebowale
5. Mr. Bashir Omenesa
The electoral process was guided by a set of guidelines issued by the Electoral Committee, ensuring a fair and transparent election. These guidelines covered eligibility criteria, voting locations, the appointment of key officers, and the overall process of casting and counting votes.
The committee issued guidelines, which highlighted the following key points:
1. Only residents of Treasure Homes were eligible to vote.
2. Each household was entitled to one vote.
3. Voters must be 18 years and above and possess valid identification.
4. The designated polling unit was located at the THERA Shopping Complex.
The Presiding Officer, appointed by the committee, played a crucial role in overseeing the voting process, from accreditation to ballot distribution. Agents were allowed for absent contesting candidates to represent their interests during the election.
Voting commenced at 8:00 am and concluded at 12 noon, followed by the announcement of results for each position.
Campaigning Highlights
The electoral campaigns were marked by heartfelt messages from candidates and their supporters. Mrs. Okenwa Gift, the wife of the elected Chairman, highlighted the qualities of Engr. Okenwa Chukwuemeka Anthony, emphasising his integrity, commitment to positive change, and past leadership experience as a Senator in a students’ union government.
“Okenwa forgives so easily, and will not make reference of the wrong you did except you keep repeating it,” Mrs Okenwa wrote. “And when he’s at fault he apologises and tries to fix it back. He was a Senator when he was in school (SUG Enugu State University of Science & Technology.) He fought for the student rights and justice, put in a lot of positive things and changes. That’s why all of his set and after him still calls him SENATOR OKENWA ‘cos he made a DIFFERENCE.”
On the opposing side, Mr. Sam Igweokolo presented himself as a humble and respectful man of God with a background in technical education. His promise to serve until retirement in 2027 underscored his dedication to the community.
A part of his manifesto statement read, “Mr Igwe is a gentle, humble and real respectful man of God. I specialised in Technical Education (B Sc. Electrical/Electronics) and believe more of practical than theory or grammar. On my assumption as Educational Officer in Federal Science & Technical College Kafanchan in the year 2000. By 2002, the school authorities discovered my potential power and integrity and appointed me as Coordinator, Utilities Service and Students Industrial Training programmes.” Within the Estate located on the border of Kuduru area of Bwari, Mr Igwe also coordinates utilities services.
Post-Election Messages
Following the announcement of the election results, messages of congratulations and optimism flooded in from various quarters. Outgoing Chairman Festus Abiodun expressed confidence in the newly elected officials and urged residents to support them in their endeavours. Special commendation was also given to the Electoral Committee for their exemplary work.
Residents, such as Mr. John Ogwuche Okpeh Stephen and Timothy O. Jegede, extended their felicitations to the winners and conveyed expectations for improved governance and unity within the estate.
Acceptance Speech by Chairman-Elect
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Anthony Okenwa expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and trust bestowed upon him. He acknowledged the efforts of the Electoral Committee and competitors, particularly Mr. Igweokolo, emphasising a spirit of collective victory.
“All my fellow contestants, especially Mr. Igweokolo, who is like a father to me, I really appreciate you in a special way and look forward working with you for the betterment of this noble estate,” Okenwa enthused.
Okenwa pledged a commitment to positive change and urged all residents to join hands in elevating THERA to greater heights.
Handover Ceremony
With the election now concluded, and Mr Okenwa Chukwuemeka Anthony pledging that the new leadership team is poised to steer THERA into a new phase of development and community engagement, residents are in high spirits. They eagerly anticipate the implementation of the newly elected leaders’ vision for a harmonious and prosperous estate after the handover ceremony scheduled to take place on the 6th of January 2024.
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7m7dvJuyA7h5XMc22i
