Chief Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala, has emerged as the Eze-Elect of Afaraukwu Ibeku Autonomous Community in Umuahia North Local government area of Abia State.
Declaring the results after the election conducted at the Union Primary School Afaraukwu to elect a new Eze after the demise of His Royal Highness Eze Israel Kanu, the returning officer Chief Ben Onuegbu said that Chief Nwaobiala polled a total of 85 votes to win his opponent Chief Amaechi Ugwueje, Who scored zero.
Chief Onuegbu while describing the election as free, fair and violence free Commended the members of the Election Committee for job well done which culminated to the success of the election.
He enjoined the winner to be magnanimous in victory.
In their separate remarks, the Traditional Prime minister of Afaraukwu Ibeku Autonomous Community Chief Chimechefulam Odoemelam, Chairman Afaraukwu Elders Council Chief Ezenwa Nwokoma and Chief Isaac Iroegbu, said that the entire Clans of Afaraukwu Autonomous Community comprising Okwulaga, Enyi-Ukwu and Isiama-AfaraUkwu unanimously elected Chief Nwaobiala as their Eze-Elect after the demise of their Traditional Ruler Eze Israel Kanu.
They said that the selection of Chief Nwaobiala was based on his pedigree and active support towards the development of the area.
They affirmed their resolve to formally present him to the Chairman Umuahia North LGA for onward presentation to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Governor for Coronation.
Contributing the Immediate past General Manager Abia State Environmental Protection Agency ASEPA Mr Eze Okwuleghe, Mr MacJohn Nwaobiala and Engr Emeka Udeokporo ,described the election of Chief Nwaobiala as a sign of divine transformation of the community, adding that they are satisfied with the choice of Chief Nwaobiala as their Eze-Elect and wished him well as he pilots the affairs of Afaraukwu.
In his acceptance Speech the Eze-Elect Chief Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala, while expressing his gratitude to Almighty God and the people for giving him their mandate to serve, assured them that his reign will bring peace, Unity, Justice, equity and Development to the community.
Chief Nwaobiala promised that he will use his wealth of experience to bring positive change in the community
He also said as a community that houses the seat of Government in the state, he was going to draw the attention of government to their community.
In his vote of thanks the immediate younger brother to the Eze Elect and the former Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education Dr. Sir MacJohn Nwaobiala thanked his community for the choice of his Elder brother to lead the community and promise that the Nwaobiala family will support him such that his reign will set a pace for traditional institution in the state.
Highlights of the ceremony was official signing of the results sheet which was witness by the Elders of the community, representative of Electorate Officers, the clans,Police,DSS and Media.
