Chief Chidi Hyacinth Kalu , The Eze-Elect of Otuzo Autonomous Community in Ikwuano LGA
It was joy, jubilation and celebration galore as Chief Chidi Hyacinth Kalu( Mmiri Oha 1 of Awom la Ebo) emerged the Eze – Elect of Otuzo Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State with 12 votes to defeat his brother Chief Innocent Ikechukwu Onwuka who got only 3 votes.
Before the election, chairman of the selection committee, Chief Christian Ibelachi, promised to follow strictly the constitutional provision of the Abia state local government and chieftaincy affairs ministry and the traditional rules guiding the Otuzo throne in Ikwuano LGA without prejudice or favour.
He stated that among the three aspirants to the throne, one of the aspirant, Chief Sunny Chigbu from Nkalunta Ibere community stepped down leaving the contest to the revered throne of Otuzo between two brothers, Chief Innocent Ikechukwu Onwuka and Chief Chidi Hyacinth Kalu both from Amuro Ibere community.
Chief Ibelachi expressed that Otuzo has taken a decision to go on with the election and advised the aspirants to show solidarity and support to whoever emerged the winner no matter whose side the pendulum swings to.
The election took place at Ihim Ibere community market square, with a team of observers sent by the mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Chief Osinachi Nwaka and led by Mr. John Ukaonu.
Out of the 15 delegates that cast their vote, Chief Chidi Hyacinth Kalu polled 12 votes to emerge the winner over his brother Chief Innocent Ikechukwu Onwuka who got 3 votes.
Otuzo Autonomous Community in Ikwuano LGA is made up of 3 communities namely Ihim Ibere community, Amuro Ibere community, and Nkalunta Ibere community with 5 delegates from each community that made up the 15 man selection committee to elect a new traditional ruler to take over the throne left vacant by the Uzo 1, of Otuzo Autonomous Community Dr. Godwin Chionye who had gone to join his ancestors.
Prime Minister of Otuzo Autonomous Community, Chief Sunday Adum Presenting Certificate of Return to the Eze – Elect, Chief Chidi Hyacinth Kalu after the election .
In his acceptance speach, the Eze – Elect, Chief Chidi Kalu thanked the selection committee, the mayor of Ikwuano LGA, delegates who voted, women and youth leaders of the land, the security agencies, elders of Otuzo Autonomous Community for their commitment and to my gallant brother Chief Innocent Ikechukwu Onwuka who entered the race with me and has promised to support me going forward.
“Today, I have fully accepted my election as the Uzo ll, of Otuzo Autonomous Community, and I wish to reiterate that my first assignment will be to reconcile all parties involved in the election to forge ahead”
“We have waited for so long and this is the time for all Otuzo people to embrace peace and unity to enable us make up for the lost time and grow our community” the Eze – Elect said.
However, handing over the certificate of return to the Eze – Elect, the traditional prime minister of Otuzo Autonomous Community, Chief Sunday Adum said that the people of Otuzo has made their choice in the person of Chief Chidi Kalu and appeals to all to rally round him and accord him the necessary respect and support as the traditional ruler of Otuzo Autonomous Community.
Chief Innocent Ikechukwu Onwuka congratulates and celebrated with his brother Chief Chidi Hyacinth Kalu after their keenly contested election
Meanwhile, Chief Innocent Onwuka has congratulated the Eze – Elect, Chief Chidi Kalu over his victory adding that he accepted the outcome of the election and call on his supporters to support Chief Kalu as he leads the community to a greater height and development.
