Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Engr Kalu Ama Mba has emerged as the substantive president of Ekoli Edda town union, popularly known as “Ekoli Band of Hope “.
Kalu was elected alongside other executive members amidst jubilation among the people of Ekoli, who came out en mass to witness the historic election, having experienced a series of community crises in the area.
Reports have it that for many years, there was conflict and political crisis in the area, which affected the leadership of the community.
But on assumption of office as Ebonyi State Governor, Governor Francis Nwifuru, through the executive Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, Prince Chima Ekumankama, constituted and inaugurated a Caretaker Transition Committee led by Engr Samuel Kalu Ama Mba, with a charge to conduct a fresh, free, fair and transparent election for the people.
The election took place on August 2024 with the people queuing behind their choice candidates for all the positions.
The new executive includes: Kalu Ama Mba, President, Anya Idika Akanu Vice President, Okoro Ibe Iduma National Secretary, Okechukwu Okorie, Assistant National Secretary, Amara Okoro, National Treasurer, Kama K Ukpai, National Financial Secretary, Kalu Amah PRO 1, Eze Okechukwu Oke PRO 11, Nnachi Ude Collins provost 1, Okocha Sunday Udu Provost 11, and Daniel Smart Irem Internal Auditor.
Addressing the people, the Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Donatus Ilang, commended the people for their peaceful conduct and urged them to support the new exco to bring the desired change in the community.
Dr Illang urged them to sustain the existing peace in Edda as the current governor of Ebonyi State is a man of peace and wants peace in every nook and cranny of the state.
Edda local government Chairman, Chima Ekumankama, on his part, said his office would work with the union to bring more development to the community.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected president Kalu Mba appealed for stakeholders’ support to record more success.
“24 day of August, is Ekoli day of declaration. My promise is that with those who were elected with me, we will not disappoint Ekoli. Please support us we are still learning. We are embarking on a learning course, so we are open for advice”, he appealed.