…Rejoice Over Wike’s Decision To Run For 2nd Term
History was made on Tuesday following the first ever election organized by the Rivers Traders Association (RTA) to usher in the leadership that would pilot it’s affairs for the next four years.
The election which held amid tight security at the union’s Secretariat at No 308 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt ended without skirmishes, with Comrade Victor Bekwele emerging President while Lolo Julie Robert was elected his Vice.
The post of Secretary went to Victoria Austin who will be assisted by Gift Isiodu. Mercy Dappah, Chima Ewurum and Abajie Smart were elected Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Public Relations Officers (PRO) respectively.
Others who secured victory in the keenly contested election include Ngozi Onyemere (Provost 1) Lolo Gladys Worlu (Provost 2) and Emmanuel Ihemnacho (Provost 3).
For the positions of Social Welfare 1, 2 and 3, voting went in favour of Onyeche Christian, Blessing Ebubu and Chikodi Okehie respectively. Ihuoma Chukwu was unanimously elected Woman Leader.
Although not anticipating any trouble, Chairman of the election planning committee, Chief Godwin Nwosu told journalists that security personnel had to be draft to the venue to forestall any unwelcome eventualities.
“As you are aware, this election is the first of its kind since the inauguration of RTA five years ago.
“You will recall that we had a sit-tight leadership which refused to organize election and rather chose to operate a tyrannical kind of government.
But thankfully, God’s will intervened by instilling democracy which led to the eventual sacking of that regime through a vote of no confidence”, Nwosu said.
With delegates drawn from over one hundred affiliate member markets across the state, the process went smooth with all delegates dully accredited and voted for their choice candidates in an Option A4 system.
Speaking to journalists after he was presented with his Certificate of Return, the new RTA President, Comrade Victor Bekwele said his priority is to improve the fortune of traders in the state through well articulated policies and programmes.
He said he would run an all-inclusive administration assuring all legitimate members of the association that their views would be welcome provided such views are geared towards movingly RTA forward.
Bekwele called on traders in the state to support the administration of Governor Wike who has shown commitment and concern for the welfare of traders.
“Because one good turn deserves another, we shall vote to return him come 2019 election. His decision to run for next year’s election is a welcome development because he is a lover of traders”, he declared.
