Charles Ekanem|28 April 2016|8:21am
Obutong Youth Congress, a community based youth association geared towards ensuring the unity, securing the welfare and progress of the youths in Obutong clan in Calabar Municipality, during the weekend concluded their second general election to usher in new leadership of the association. The election which was held on the 23rd of April, 2016 at Obutong Clan Town Hall of Calabar Municipality Local Government Area began by 4.30pm under the strict observation and supervision by Calabar Municipal Council Executives and National Youth Council of Nigeria.
Mr Archibong Robert Archibong emerged the President unopposed, while other positions of Secretary General, Financial Controller and Assistant Secretary were kindly contested and won by Mr Henry Offiong, Mr Archibong Otu and Anthonia Otu.
Speaking, the representative of Chairman Calabar Municipality, Mr Joe Edet Effiom, Special Adviser in the Council noted with satisfaction the conduct of the elections, as he urged the youth to shun anti social vices and be united for the development of the community. He praised the electoral committee for a free and fair conduct of the election. He said the winners should carry the losers along with their programs as it is the norms obtainable in 21st century democracy.
Mr Archibong Eso, the chapter Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Calabar Municipality noted the orderliness and self discipline exhibited by Obutong youths. He however lamented the poor turn out which according to him was not good enough considering the population of Obutong youth both home and abroad.
The Former official of the Association, Eso Archibong-Ita said he was satisfied with the conduct of the election. He congratulated the newly elected officials and charged them to work harder and expect challenges. Mr Eso said his doors are always open for consultations and advice for the new chartered executives.
For the position of Financial Controller, Archibong Otu from Ikot Otu Royal House defeated Archibong-Anwan Ita from Itak Mkpa Royal House 46 to 40 votes, while Henry Offiong defeated Prince Ukpong Esemin Archibong 63 to 21 votes to take home the position of Secretary General. Anthonia Anthony Uduak defeated Antigha A. 60 to 24 votes to win the position of Deputy Secretary.
Though the two defeated Secretary, Mr Antigha Archibong and Prince Archibong vowed to petition the election in what they described as injustice on the part of the electoral committee not to disqualify their opponents on account of place of birth.
However, Henry Offiong exclusively lambasted them by saying the petition does not hold any weight to cancel their victory but pleaded with them to shield their sword as he will be willing to work with them for the growth of the community.
Though we learnt that the former President, who just returned back to the country from UK were he did his Postgraduate programmes, was not happy with the organization of the electioneering process which sidelined him and his family. Effort to reach him or his immediate brother Eso Archibong for clarifications was to no avail as none of them answered their calls.
But the electoral chairman, Mr Harrison Richard Efa said they are no factions and every Obutong indigenes are united towards the revitalization of the association. He urged the newly elected executives to reconcile all aggrieved members and carry everybody along for the interest of the association.
The newly elected President, Mr Archibong Robert promised to carry everyone along. According to him, he said creation of data base for Obutong youth is very essential as it will enable him know the needs of the youth and involved them in activities and programs that can change their lives. He begged aggrieved members to be united and remain focus in achieving the goal of the organization.
Charles Ekanem
Reports from Calabar
