The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri branch in Imo State has elected Chris Ihentuge as its new chairman following a closely contested election.
News About Nigeria gathered that on Sunday, July 7, Ihentuge secured 119 votes, defeating his opponent Mazi Udegbulem, who garnered 92 votes.
The election saw lawyers cast their ballots to fill key positions within the branch.
For the position of publicity secretary, Franklin Amandi emerged victorious with 123 votes, while Ewelike Nnadozie received 78 votes. In this category, there were eight invalid votes.
Nneoma Iwu won the position of treasurer with 129 votes, surpassing Anulika Okoro’s 81 votes.
Only one vote was declared invalid in the treasurer’s contest.
The race for social secretary was tightly contested, with Onyinye Ugbogu securing 103 votes against Chinenye Akaah’s 97 votes. This category had ten invalid votes.
The newly elected officers are expected to assume their positions immediately and will serve for the next two years.
The NBA Owerri branch expressed its commitment to work with the new leadership to advance the interests of lawyers and promote the rule of law in the state.
In his victory speech, the new NBA chairman, Chris Ihentuge, commended members for their trust in his leadership.
He promised not to disappoint, bringing his wealth of experience and acumen to the role.
Ihentuge emphasised unity, stating, “In this contest, everybody is a winner,” and called on his opponent to join forces for a brighter future for the association.
“I appreciate you all for the enormous support and tenacity of purpose. We all are winners. I call on my opponent to join hands with me to lift the NBA Owerri to greater heights. God is with us, and we shall emerge victorious in rendering selfless services to the association and the nation,” Ihentuge said.
Outgoing chairman Ugochukwu Allinor congratulated the newly elected officers and urged them to build on the successes achieved during his tenure.
He also thanked the branch members for their support and active participation in the electoral process.
