Araya Progress Union (APU) a community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, has elected new executives to run the affairs of the community for the year 2014.

A statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Aruga Joe Omokaro (JP), who is also Editor of The SUPREME weekly national newspaper, said the election, which took place last Saturday, February 8, was conducted under tight security. This, according to him, was because the election was earlier scheduled for December 31, 2013, but was disrupted by hoodlums.

Omokaro said that during the aborted election, several people including Edios (titled elders) were injured. He disclosed that to avert a repeat of violence, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, provided adequate armed policemen who ensured that the election was successful.

According to the statement, “The interim chairman, Mr. Gideon Isara formally announced the dissolution of his executive, and appointed a three-man executive namely: Moses Ogbogo, Meshack Akpoma, Felix Ejobona and Mrs. Beatrice Owologba (chairlady), who conducted fresh election.

“Subsequently, Mr. Eloho Akpoziakpo, a Chief Superintended of Police, was unanimously adopted the new chairman.

“Mr. Geofery Ogbogo was also unanimously adopted vice chairman, after Mr. Solomon Odumo, a former chairman, was nominated to contest against him but was rejected by majority of the community. Mr. Odiki Eziokome won against Sir Ajiri Akara for the position of secretary. However, Sir Akara was later nominated to contest for the position of treasurer and was unanimously adopted as nobody indicated interest to contest against him. Similarly, Mr. Mathew Ulebe was unanimously adopted speaker, while Barrister Patrick Ederi was returned unopposed as legal adviser. The following people were unanimously adopted, Mr. Aruga Joseph Omokaro (JP) PRO, Barrister John Ofremu deputy PRO and Evangelist Israel Ukoliko special adviser respectively.

“Earlier on January 9, 2014, women in the community conducted their election, Mrs. Beatrice Owologba was elected chairlady, Mrs. Victoria Omuye vice chairlady, while Mrs. Odezi Ewariwoma was elected secretary.

“Among prominent citizens of the community who were present at the election, were Major-General Napoleon Amarie and Political Aide to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Oroghene Felix Atumu, among others.”

•Photo shows the new PRO, Mr. Aruga Joe Omokaro.

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