By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Concerned Citizens of Ogugu community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have frowned at a media report (not by News Express) questioning the authenticity of the community’s election that produced Chief Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna, Jnr. As their Igwe-elect.

News Express recalls that Ogbonna was elected as the new monarch of the community at an election where he polled 867 votes, while his opponent, Chief Egbo Godwin received 363 votes.

However, some unidentified persons issued a press statement disowning the election after five months.

Reacting, the concerned citizens, in a statement signed by their national coordinator and the secretary, Chief Egbo Silas and Sebastine Okolie, respectively, urged the media to resist the temptation of being used to tell lies against their community.

They emphasized the transparency, fairness, and credibility of the recent election process in Ogugu.

They also highlighted the integrity and uprightness of Chief Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr, the newly elected Igwe, stating that his selection was based on merit and adherence to constitutional provisions governing the Igwe institution in Ogugu.

The Concerned Citizens also underscored Chief Ogbonna’s leadership qualities, praising his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the community, commitment to upholding traditional values, and vision for a prosperous and united Ogugu.

Addressing the outcome of the election, the group revealed that Chief Ogbonna secured victory with 867 votes, while his opponent, Chief Egbo Godwin, received 363 votes.

“This overwhelming support from the community”, they argued, “further affirms Chief Ogbonna’s widespread popularity and endorsement.”

The statement reads: “Clarification on Misleading Information Regarding Ogugu Community-

“We, the Concerned Citizens of Ogugu (CCO), are compelled to issue this press release to set the record straight amidst recent misleading information.

“We wish to categorically state that names such as Chief Ikenna Akubueze and Mazi Paul Chiako are fictitious and have no bearing on the ongoing situation in our community. These names are merely fabrications propagated by naysayers seeking to disrupt the peace and development of Ogugu.

“It is imperative to clarify that the recent election process in Ogugu was conducted in a transparent, free, fair, and credible manner.

“The personality of the Igwe-elect, Mr. Alloysius Ogbonna Jr, is one of integrity and uprightness. His selection was based on merit and adherence to the established constitutional provisions governing the Igwe institution in Ogugu.

“Furthermore, we would like to highlight the character of Chief Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jr, whose leadership qualities have endeared him to the people of Ogugu.

“Chief Ogbonna is known for his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the community, his commitment to upholding traditional values, and his vision for a prosperous and united Ogugu.

“He has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in various capacities, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens.

“The recent election, which took place on January 14, 2024, saw Chief Ogbonna’s victory with 867 votes, a testament to the overwhelming support he enjoys from the community.

“His opponent, Chief Egbo Godwin, received 363 votes, further affirming Chief Ogbonna’s widespread popularity and endorsement.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State, for his swift intervention in resolving the longstanding leadership impasse in Ogugu.

“His commitment to ensuring peace and stability in our community is commendable and has brought an end to a 24-year-old impasse, paving the way for progress and development.

“As concerned citizens deeply invested in the well-being of Ogugu, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Chief Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna, Jnr, and urge all stakeholders to rally behind him for the collective advancement of our community.

“We remain resolute in our dedication to upholding the values and traditions that define Ogugu and will continue to work tirelessly towards its prosperity.

“We demand that the perpetrators of this lie come out openly and use their identity. These are the same individuals who told numerous lies to our people to discredit Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah during the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Enugu State but failed woefully.

“Their antics can no longer work as our community has decided to move forward. All they want is perpetual crisis and our names cannot be used to do such.

“We reaffirm that the Concerned Citizens of Ogugu (CCO) has only one structure led by chief Egbo Silas, who is from Uhuahu Ogugu, and other members.

“Ogugu Ntu-egbenese Community is blessed with a traditional ruler-elect, with enviable track records across the globe.”

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