-
As Okafor Emerges New Chairman
BY CLETUS NGWODO
IN what has been described as one of the most transparent, credible and fairly conducted union elections in the recent time, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Delta State Branch yesterday, elected a new executive that will steer the affair of the union in the next four years.
Speaking at the 6th State Quadrennial Delegates Conference held at ASCSN Secretariat, yesterday, the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Pensions, Mr. Kingsley Olumukoro noted that ASCSN appeared well coordinated for the election and commended the members for the way and manner they comported themselves “I believe we are all ready for the election, and I trust it will be peaceful. I want to thank you all for giving Comrade Bolum Martins the cooperation required. Without that cooperation, they would not have succeeded.”
“There may have been ups and downs, but at the end of the day, the outgoing administration has done very well. My prayer and hope are that the incoming leadership will do even better. I am confident that whoever emerges as Chairman of the State Association will do very well. I know them well, and I trust that one of them will prevail, in Jesus’ name.
“I wish to advise all of us: leadership is not easy. When you are outside, you may criticise, saying, “Oh, this is not being done, that is not being done.” But when you are in the office, you see the naked truth. The naked truth. You need the grace of God and the competence to tell the truth. Without that, there is no way you can succeed. I urge those contesting to prioritise the interests of the Association first, before any personal ambition.
“We all agree that the Governor has been excellent in maintaining a cordial relationship between labour and Government. There has been no crisis since his administration began. It has been a smooth process. Nobody is being victimized, and salaries are paid as and when do. More improvements are coming. So let us remain patient and continue to support the Government of Rt Hon Sheriff, who has the civil service and public service at heart.
“I am confident that the reports I will receive will be very comforting, and I will pass them on to the Head of Service and the State Government. The Head of Service has also asked me to. Let us be peaceful, enjoy ourselves, and continue to do the needful.
Also speaking at the occasion, the President of the association, represented by Deputy Secretary General, Dr Igbokwe Chukwuma congratulated the union for placing the interest of the union above their personal consideration by agreeing to put the past acrimony behind them
“Let me to appreciate the State Government, under the administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the good work being done. I know that it affects our members, the public servants, by ensuring their salaries are paid as and when due, among other things.
“I appreciate the leadership of the association in the State, led by Comrade Bolum Martins, who, from what we see at the national level, has done very well,” he said.
Similarly the outgone Chairman of the association, Comrade Martins Bolum commended the members for the cooperation and support given to his administration and urged them to extend same to the new leadership
“I am happy to leave the office, very happy to leave the office. But I will not leave you orphans, because I am still a national officer. I will ensure that Delta State continues to thrive. Whoever wins today, if you need to consult me, please do not hesitate. My success so far has been greatly contributed to by my former leaders, and I must thank them.
“Among over 5,000 civil servants, and especially the members of the association, you have been selected by God to play this role. Today, I am very happy that we are here to move the union forward .Even though part of that time, almost two years, we were trying to rebuild ourselves, and today we are successful because of you. God has placed in your hands the task of ensuring that the Association of Senior Civil Servants, Delta State, continues to thrive, and that our workers continue to benefit”, he said.
Meanwhile, after a keen contest, Comrade Henry Okafor polled 84 votes out of 136 votes to defeat his only rival, Comrade Wallace Anidi, who garnered 49 votes.
Other members of the new executive are Comrade Igho Julius -Vice Chairman; Comrade Churchill Egbregba-Vice Chairman; Comrade Arubi Orugboh –Treasurer, Comrade Jonah Owhefere-Internal Auditor’, Comrade Ujomoh Charles- Ex-Officio. Comrade Emeshili Ifeoma- Ex-Officio
Others include Comrade Obi Promise -Ex- Officio; Comrade Kebodi Scholarstica Evelyn -Ex-Officio, and Comrade Abeke Gregory-Ex- Officio. In his acceptance speech the newly elected Chairman of ASCSN, Comrade Henry Okafor expressed gratitude to God for the successful conduct of the election, while promising not to betray the confidence reposed in his leadership.
