Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A group known as League of Udu Professionals (LUP) has launched a special appeal seeking the conduct of a credible and transparent election that will enthrone quality leadership to pilot the affairs of Udu Communities in Delta state.
The appeal was made following rumours alleging that a certain group plans to foist a candidate to pilot the affairs of the Union of Udu Communities (UUC), against the duly laid down electoral procedure prescribed in their constitution.
In a release obtained by Ikengaonline, the group appealed to His Royal Majesty, Barr. Emmanuel Bethel Delekpe, the Ovie of Udu kingdom, seeking for his intervention in the events that will lead to the emergence of a new community leader otherwise referred to as President General in the area.
In the release entitled: “UNION OF UDU COMMUNITIES (UUC) LEADERSHIP RACE: AN APPEAL FOR A CREDIBLE ELECTIONS,” the group believed that the conduct of the election will not only enthrone transparency in the selection process, but will also deepen people’s sense of inclusion in the governance of the community.
It read: “Our appeal for a credible election has become necessary following rumors that a candidate has been handpicked among the two candidates for the election to the post of President General of the Union of Udu Communities (UUC).
“We note the unnecessary but expected disenchantments these accusations are already creating across communities in Udu Kingdom. People are beginning to allege nonexistent arguments. These accusations may not be truth, but could make impressions on people’s minds if they are not dispelled by the appropriate authorities, which in this case, is the Ovie-in-Council.
“While awaiting the intervention of the Palace regarding the conduct of an election, we feel obligated to lend our voice to ongoing calls for the next crop of UUC leaders to be decided through a democratic system.
“We strongly believe that allowing elections to hold will promote community involvement in the leadership process and deepen the sense of inclusion.
“This forthcoming UUC Convention provides an opportunity for Udu Kingdom to build on the electoral successes that was achieved by the emergence of the outgoing UUC leadership. We cannot afford to rollback these electoral achievements.”