An exercise conducted by the Abia State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to elect the traditional ruler of Okonaku Ohafia in Ohafia LGA has ended in Ohafia council headquarters, with Ndukwe Ikoh emerging as the new Eze-elect.
Ikoh was elected unopposed following the stepping-down of the three other contestants.
Speaking while conducting the election, Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, noted that the election was to restore peace and stability in Okonaku Ohafia.
The Commissioner pointed out that the state government was concerned about the petitions and allegations against the process that nominated the Nnaka the 4th of Okonaku Ohafia which compelled Governor Alex Otti to direct the ministry to come up with a lasting solution to the challenges ravaging the community.
He stressed that all parties involved in the matter were carried along to ensure a seamless election, pointing out that Ikoh emerged through the support of his people.
Contributing, the Chairman of Ohafia LGA, David Ogba Onuoha described the electoral process as smooth.
Responding, the new Eze-elect of Okonaku Ohafia, Ndukwe Ikoh, expressed gratitude to God for making him come out victorious in the election and thanked the State Governor, Alex Otti, the Commissioner and others for ensuring lasting peace and unity in Okonaku Ohafia and promised to develop his community.
Also, Daniel Nwauzor has been elected the new traditional ruler of Akwaete Umuihueze autonomous community in Ukwa East LGA of Abia State.
He polled nine votes to defeat Enyinnaya Ogbulu who got one vote.
The Commissioner, Nwachukwu, who spoke during the election, said that the state government decided to conduct the election to restore peace in some communities experiencing crisis because of traditional rulership.
Nwachukwu said that the state government had no preferred candidate in the stool.
The member representing Ukwa East and West Federal constituency, Chris Nkwonta said that his community had been without a traditional ruler for over 40 years before the emergence of Nwauzor.
Nwauzor, in his speech, promised to restore peace and development in his community.