By VINCENT UJUMADU

AWKA – Stakeholders of Anambra State chapter of  Nigerian Red Cross Society, under the aegis of Integrity Group, have rejected the emergence of the state chief judge, Justice Paul Obidigwe, as the state chairman of the society, urging him to resign to pave  way for a fresh and credible election.

A statement signed by the counsel to the group, Mr. C.N. Umeh, and made available to Vanguard in Awka, alleged that the election that brought Justice Obidigwe to office was allegedly manipulated by the former chairman, Dr. Peter Katchy.

According to the group, the purported election fell short of standard as it was not conducted in compliance with the provisions of the branch manual and Act of Parliament of 1960.

Among allegations leveled against the former chairman include alleged illegal harmonization of offices and installation of his lackeys as lower officials.

They also accused the former chairman of allegedly deceiving divisional chairmen that the chief judge was the candidate of Governor Peter Obi.

The former chairman was also accused of unilaterally sacking some staff of the society, and that laws governing the operations of the society did not empower him to take such a draconian action.

The group wondered why the former chairman should assume a lower position of vice chairman after holding the position of state chairman for two tenures, adding that there was more to it than met the eye.

“The chief judge of Anambra State should, therefore, toe the path of honour and resign his purported position.
“We also call on the national office in Abuja to constitute a caretaker committee that will midwife fair, free and credible election,” the group demanded.

*Asks him to resign, calls for fresh election