His Highness, Eze Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo (JP), has been affirmed as the “Nye Udu” (Eze) Ede Upata 1 of Upata Kingdom after a keenly contested election over the weekend in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Eze Anugwo polled 22 votes out of the 24 delegate votes to clinch the position which he has been occupying on acting capacity.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his election, Eze Anugwo said he will ensure that everybody is carried along in his administration with a view to attracting peace and development in the area. “Today Wednesday November 21, 2018, is a day to remember in my life and I will cherish it”, he said.
On the allegation against him, the Monarch dismissed it with a wave of hands, saying that in any contest, people will do and say whatever they wish to win. “What is important now is that I have won and thereafter we would reconcile every interest group and work towards peace and development of the Upata Kingdom”, he declared.
Eze Anugwo, who is also Agida Ekpeye II, disclosed further that his only opponent in the contest, Chief Eze Daniel Ebeku, is his brother, who will be given his rightful place in the cabinet, if he opens his minds to contribute his quota to the peace and development of the Community.
The Monarch dedicated his victory to the Almighty God and His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr) Felix Otuwarikpo, Eze Igbu-Upata III of Upata Kingdom, for not only standing by his word in ensuring that every vacant chieftaincy positions in the area that is not hereditary is open for election, in accordance with the promulgation in Ekpeye ethnic Nationality, but for ensuring a level playing ground for the election.
Chief of Staff of the Monarch, Chief Ogu Innocent Uchebudu, in his contribution, said the stool has been in existence from time immemorial, but that at a point, it was neglected until it was resuscitated and defended at the chieftaincy panel setup by the Rivers State government.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the State government to quickly recognize and properly accord the stool its second class status now that the election has been conducted and the occupant confirmed.
The COS further explained that there are four “Nudus” (Clans) in Upata Kingdom and the occupants of the stool are the next hierarchy to Eze Igbu Upata of Upata Kingdom, wishing Eze Anugwo a successful reign.
He further used the opportunity to appeal for support and cooperation for the new Monarch to enable him continue to protect the interest of the people, saying that the youths will enjoy the Monarch the more as their interest is paramount in his heart.
