By Wilson Okereke, Afikpo
•Opuh
Chief Samuel Opuh has been elected the new traditional ruler of Oshiri community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The election was keenly contested in the community by eight persons.
Opuh polled a total of 10 votes to emerge victorious while his closest rival, Njoku Harrison scored nine votes. Obasi Nweze got seven votes while Ifeanyi Nwagu scored six votes. Pius Okoro got one vote while three other aspirants didn’t get any vote.
There has been attempts to get a new traditional ruler by the community which proved abortive untill the last effort that paid off following the death of the traditional ruler of the community, J.U.O Nwogo, four years ago.
In his speech, Opuh said he has five points agenda for the community which centers on empowerment, restoration of moral values, peace, even development and linkages.
“What is happening today in our society is very bad. Our youths are driven from obligations to evil vices and this is what I plan to pay serious attention to. Peace and even development is also my priority.
“As a traditional ruler, if you don’t link up with your neighbouring communities, you don’t link up with the state, you don’t link up at the national level, there is nothing you can do for your community,” he stated.
He called on his rivals to join hands with him to develop the community, adding that he has served the community in many capacities, which made him to be elected the traditional ruler.
Some stakeholders of the community, including Chief Odefa Obasi and Agu Opuh, the coordinator of Oshiri Development Centre, hailed the emergence of the traditional ruler.
They urged him to rule like King Solomon in the Bible and to be fair to all.