By Nwabueze Okonkwo

Onitsha – A subsisting court order issued by Justice Chukwudi Okaa of the Atani High Court in Anambra State allowed the Okpoko community in Ogbaru Local Government Area to hold a peaceful election for the Okpoko Community Development Union (OCDU) despite police attempts to disrupt the process.

On Friday morning, a team of policemen from Okpoko Divisional Headquarters arrived at the Onitsha Holiday Resort Hotel, the election venue, following reports from opposing factions aiming to halt the election. However, the stakeholders presented a court order from Justice Okaa dated November 14, 2024, which restrained any interference in the election. Upon seeing the order, the police allowed the election to proceed peacefully.

The court directive, issued in Suit No. AT/26/2024, stemmed from an application by Chief Felix Onunkwo and Chief Isaac Onyenoneke on behalf of the 42 Community Ward Chairmen of OCDU against Chief Francis Enemuo and Hon. Chukwudi Ehiobu.

Justice Okaa ruled that: The tenure of Chief Francis Enemuo and the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of OCDU had expired, and they were restrained from further acting in any official capacity.

Hon. Chukwudi Ehiobu, the Administrative Secretary of OCDU, was authorized to take over the union’s properties and conduct the election.

The State Commissioner for Local Government, Town Union, and Chieftaincy Matters must refund N300,000 to the community if they could not facilitate the election.

Enemuo was ordered to pay N500,000 in costs to the plaintiffs.

The OCDU successfully conducted what it described as a credible, peaceful, and transparent election, resulting in the emergence of a new 16-member Central Executive Committee led by Okechukwu Odidika as President.

Other elected members include:

1st Vice President: Okwudili Obioha

2nd Vice President: Sunday Ezike

Secretary: Omanus Elemuo

Assistant Secretary: Austin Ukeje

Treasurer: Vincent Offor

Welfare Officer: Ejike Uzomba

Financial Secretary: Emeka Omire

Chief Provost: Uche Uzoigwe

Provosts: Linus Nwowu (1st), Patrick Utobo (2nd), Okwudiri Ibeneme (3rd), Francis Nwanze (4th)

Public Relations Officer: Martin Eze

Auditor: Solomon Onyenoneke

Legal Adviser: Barr. M. C. Ezejim

In his post-election speech, President Okechukwu Odidika vowed to restore peace and reconciliation in the crisis-prone community. He emphasized inclusivity and collaboration with the state government to advance infrastructural development in Okpoko.

Odikika stated, “Our administration will prioritize unity and rehabilitation across the community. We will work hand-in-hand with the state government to deliver massive infrastructural projects.”

Hon. Zeribe Ezeanuna expressed optimism about the Odidika-led administration’s pledge to foster peace and reconciliation, believing it would bring relief to the community.

Other prominent community members, including Chief Godwin Ehiobu, Emeka Omeire, and Chief Okechukwu Okweji, praised the peaceful election process. They called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to monitor his appointees closely to prevent actions that could tarnish his administration’s reputation.

The successful election has been widely hailed as a significant step toward restoring stability and progress in Okpoko, one of Anambra State’s 179 communities.