By Oyinlola Ayomide
The Annual General Meeting, which was scheduled for 2:00 pm, commenced at exactly 2:45 pm due to unforeseen circumstances.
It began with an opening speech by the Local Organisation President, Tega Divine, followed shortly by the reading and adoption of the minutes of the previous meeting. Subsequently, matters arising were discussed.
After the discussions, the current Executive and Board members were temporarily dissolved, and a ten-minute recess was observed before the electoral body took the stage, marking the beginning of the long-awaited elections. One of the committee members, the immediate past president of 2022/2023, expressed her disappointment with the two candidates contesting for the position of President.
She stated that both candidates had violated the rules twice by campaigning before the official campaign period, a matter brought to the attention of the electoral committee a day prior to the election. Consequently, both candidates were to be fined as a punitive measure.
Following her statement, several members of the organisation raised concerns. One of them, Chimobi, argued that the fine was inadequate and that the candidates should instead be disqualified.
However, the committee explained that the issue was brought to light too late, and thus, a fine was the only punitive action deemed enforceable. Despite Chimobi’s argument, and similar opinions voiced by other members, a vote was taken on whether the Presidential candidates should be disqualified. The majority opposed the motion, resulting in the fine being rescinded.
Afterwards, the presentation of manifestos began. This included candidates for various positions:
• Vice President (Admin): Peculiar Ikem and Favour Emordi.
• Vice President (Projects): Emmanuel Odimosor, Fanny Itepu, Peter Japhet, and Kent Adeyinka.
• Executive Vice President (EVP): Taiye Abiodun, Deborah Obelawo, and Goodness Osato.
• Local Organisation President: Praise Ewere and Ige Emmanuel.
Once the manifestos were presented, the voting process commenced, with each member casting their votes for their preferred candidates. After voting concluded, members eagerly awaited the results.
The results were as follows:
1. Vice President (Admin): A total of 434 votes were cast, with 10 declared void. Peculiar Ikem received 382 votes, while Favour Emordi received 42 votes, making Peculiar the winner.
2. Vice President (Projects): Out of 434 votes cast, 11 were void. Emmanuel Odimosor secured 50 votes, Fanny Itepu received 39 votes, Peter Japhet garnered 140 votes, and Kent Adeyinka received 194 votes, making Kent the winner.
3. Executive Vice President: All 434 votes cast were valid. Deborah Obelawo received 79 votes, Taiye Abiodun secured 163 votes, and Goodness Osato received 194 votes, making Osato the winner.
4. Local Organisation President: Ige Emmanuel received 213 votes, while Praise Ewere received 219 votes, making Praise the winner.