The people of Igbogene-epie Federated Community in Yenagoa Local Government of Bayelsa State have elected Prof. Augustine Ikien as the new paramount ruler (Obeneken).
Also elected is Chief Wunughugbeni Charles as the deputy paramount ruler and Mr. Trust Victor as the Community Development Committee (CDC) chairman.
The election which was took place at the community town hall was peaceful and witnessed the presence of the police, and election observers.
Announcing the results , the ELECO chairman, Mr. Tony Gabriel said Prof. Augustine Ikien scored 907 votes to beat his closest rival Dr. Innocent Omons who scored 464 votes .
Gabriel said: ” The paramount ruler position was contested by two persons they are Prof. Augustine Ikein and Dr. Innocent Omons the votes cast is 1394 while 23 votes were void.
” Innocent Omons scored 464 votes while Prof. Augustine Ikein scored 907 votes, with the powers conferred on me as the ELECO Chairman I hereby declare Prof. Augustine Ikein as the Paramount Ruler of Igbogene-epie Federated Community.
” Next is the deputy paramount ruler which was contested by three people, Hon. Leader Isaac, Chief Yenesom Epem and Chief Wunughugbeni Charles. Total votes cast is 1401, total void votes is 54. Hon. Leader Isaac scored 194 votes, Chief Yenesom Epem scored 327 votes while Chief Wunughugbeni Charles scored 824 votes. I hereby declare Chief Wunughugbeni Charles as the deputy paramount ruler of Igbogene-epie Federated Community.
” The CDC Chairman position was contested two persons, Mr. Romeo Sorgwe and Mr.Trust Victor. Total number of votes cast 1399, votes void 29. Mr. Trust Victor scored 733 votes and Romeo Sorgwe scored 617 votes. I hereby declare Mr. Trust Victor as the new CDC Chairman of Igbogene-epie Federated Community”.
He thanked the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Malla Sasime, the Police, the ELECO members for the support at ensuring that the election was rancour free.
Speaking on the election, a representative of Epie Council of Chiefs, Chief Natus Zebekeme and Hon. Osain Freedom Josiah, President of Epie Kingdom Development Organisation commended the people for the matured and peaceful way the election was conducted, advising other communities in Epie and Atissa to emulate Igbogene-epie community.
They charged those who won to ensure that everyone in the community is carried along by operating an open door policy in order to bring about peace and development.
Speaking to newsmen, the newly elected paramount ruler of Igbogene-epie Federated Community, Prof. Augustine Ikein appreciated the people of Igbogene-epie Federated Community for the love shown by electing him as the paramount ruler, adding that he is humbled by the victory.
Ikein promised to operate an open door policy as fairness, transparency and equity will be his watchword in the administration of the community.
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