…Co-contenders pledge to work with Chairman Warebi

…Community lauds council boss for wisdom, forbearance

By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BURUTU – Wild jubilation erupted in Tuomo community, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, following the peaceful conduct of the long-anticipated community chairmanship election, which had initially sparked tensions and fears of violence.

To prevent bloodshed among supporters of rival candidates, the Burutu Council Chairman, Chief Julius Takeme, relocated the election venue to Burutu, the council headquarters, where the vote was held on Thursday. At the end of the polls, Mr. Edonyabo Morentei Warebi emerged as the elected chairman.

Upon his return to Tuomo, community members trooped out en masse in a grand procession to welcome their new leader. They also expressed deep gratitude to Chief Takeme for his patience and strategic leadership, which averted potential violence.

Despite rumors of planned ambushes and threats of post-election violence, peace has prevailed, as all candidates have now pledged to support the newly elected chairman.

Speaking to Vanguard, Mr. Yinkore Zuokemefa Promise, one of the chairmanship aspirants, declared his commitment to peace and unity in Tuomo.

“Now, Mr. Edonyabo Warebi has won the election, and I recognize his leadership of Tuomo community. I have also told my supporters to join hands with him to move Tuomo forward. No one should cause any crisis in my name because I am committed to peace and development.”

Similarly, Comrade Ebiyerin Anemi, a youth leader aligned with one of the opposing camps, affirmed the youth’s resolve to embrace peace. He commended Chief Takeme’s leadership for preventing bloodshed and restoring calm.

“We now have a chairman in the person of Mr. Edonyabo Warebi, and we have set aside our grievances. Our local government chairman, Chief Julius Takeme, has demonstrated wisdom and patience in handling this election, and we appreciate his role in ensuring peace.”

In his remarks, Chairman Warebi reassured the community of his commitment to an inclusive government, emphasizing that he had already initiated reconciliation efforts with his former opponents.

“I have reached out to all my co-contenders, and they have agreed to work together for the progress of Tuomo. My administration will be inclusive, and I urge everyone to support us as we move the community forward,” Warebi stated.

With the post-election tensions now settled and stakeholders uniting behind the newly elected leadership, Tuomo looks poised for a new era of peace, stability, and progress.