By Chuks Eke
A university don and newly elected President-General of the Umueri General Assembly (UGA) in Anambra East Local Government Area, Chijioke Nweke, has pledged to wage war against insecurity and cultism in the region.
Nweke, a senior lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka campus, made a statement shortly after being declared the winner of the town union election, asserting that his administration would no longer tolerate the activities of criminals and cultists in any part of the area.
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Magistrate Eugene Aghaebe, declared him the winner of the election held at St. Mary’s Secondary School Field, Umueri, after he polled 600 votes to defeat his rival, Fidelis Anaekwe, who scored only 15 votes.
Nweke, who commended the General Assembly for considering him worthy to fill the gap left by the expiration of his predecessor’s tenure, noted that, besides fighting insecurity and cultism, his administration would also work assiduously towards the rapid development of the community.
Additionally, Nweke, who is the Commander of the Delta State Anti-Cultism Committee, pledged to unite Umueri and ensure peaceful coexistence among all neighbouring communities.
“We will strengthen our security network and sensitise our youths against the use of hard drugs,” said Nweke, who later led a delegation of Umueri indigenes to the Palace of the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka, on a courtesy call.
In response, Igwe Emeka offered him a royal blessing and encouraged him to work towards fulfilling his campaign promises in the interest of the community, wishing him a successful and fruitful tenure.
Meanwhile, Nweke has been sworn in to take over the mantle of leadership from the outgoing President-General of UGA, Chief John Mechie, whose tenure has expired.
In a formal handover ceremony that took place at the Civic Centre, Umueri, over the weekend, Mechie congratulated Nweke on his well-deserved victory in the town union election and urged his successor to ensure continuity in the trajectory of good governance in the Umueri Okebo ancient kingdom.
Mechie, who served as President-General from 2022 to 2026, stated that it had been a profound honour and privilege to serve the town union for four years, adding that the confidence placed in him during his tenure had been one of the most significant responsibilities of his life.
In response, Nweke praised Mechie for his commendable performance during his tenure and assured him that his administration would build upon his legacy, particularly in the areas of security and social welfare for the people of Umueri.
