By Inyali Peter
The immediate past Secretary of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) University of Calabar (UNICAL) branch, Dr. Edor John has emerged the new branch’s Chairman.
Announcing the results, the Electoral Committee Chairman, Prof. Isreal Worugji supported by his Secretary, Dr. James Okpiliya said Edor scored a total of 421 votes to defeat his closet rival, Dr. Peter Samuel Ubi who had 285 votes.
Other aspirants in the race, Dr. Along Jonas and Dr. Kalu Ogbonna scored 52 and 74 votes respectively.
Worugji further explained that a total of 835 people were accredited for the election. Three out of the total votes were however declared invalid by the Chairman.
In other election, Dr. Simuel Akpan scored a total of 499 votes to defeat his only opponent, Dr. Joseph Asuqou who had 332 votes to emerge the Welfare Secretary. Four votes were declared invalid.
Seven other persons were returned unopposed for several positions. They include, Dr. Elemi John Ani – Vice Chairman, Dr. Ikuta Ajigo – Secretary, Dr. Alexander Timothy – Assistant Secretary, Dr. James Aboh – Treasurer, Dr. Victor Abanyam, Internal Auditor – Dr. Andem A. Bassey – Financial Secretary and Dr. Okweche Simon Idoko as Investment Secretary.
While inaugurating the new executives, the National representative of ASUU in the election, Prof. Nsin Ogar, the immediate past Zonal Coordinator said that the election was “free, fair and credible”.
He commended members of the union for conducting themselves responsibly throughout the election even as he charged the new executives to always consult widely with critical stakeholders and members before reaching any decision.
While delivering his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Dr. Edor thanked the ASUU members for the support even as he promised to fight for their welfare.
He said that, “It has never happened before in the history of ASUU UNICAL branch election that four will contest for the Chairperson but it happened today and this congress has deemed it fit to vote me. You’ve reposed in me confidence unimaginable. I’ll defend you. Power indeed lies with the people.
“For other Comrades, you’ve done well. If you didn’t contest with me, I wouldn’t have known the seriousness of this business. I’ll extend the hand of fellowship to you. I don’t know everything. All of you have been in the ASUU so please come let’s close ranks and work together in the interest of the Union”.
Edor added that, “The business of unionism is all about welfare of members. Whatever affect the welfare of our members, we’ll go out doggedly to fight against it”.
He assured that “We’ll consult. I count myself a lucky person because we still have about eight past Chairmen who still attend congress, some chapters are not lucky to have many people like that. Past Chairpersons please be rest assured that we will always run to you for consultation and advice”.
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