By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Elections into executive offices of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, Benue State chapter were recently held under peaceful atmosphere at the Makurdi Club 1930 during the union’s state quadrennial delegates conference in Makurdi.
Principal Assistant Secretary, NUP, and chairman of the electoral committee, Mr. Bumi Ogunikolade declared the process as peaceful, announced Comrade Michael Vembe, the incumbent, as winner of the poll.
He said Vembe pulled 38 votes to emerge chairman, defeating his closet rival Mr. Onah Omerikwo who scored nine votes with Mr. Kwaghmande- Kwaghmande and Tegh Tegh Dakor scoring three and one votes respectively.
Others elected, according to Ogunikolade, include; Bishop Michael Agada- Vice Chairman; Obanike James- Treasurer; Mrs. Dorcas Boko- Auditor, with Dominic Saawuan and Lawrence Adokwu emerging as trustee 1 and 2 respectively.
In their separate remarks, NUP Vice President North Central, Dr. Asen Sambe, Special Adviser to the governor on Labour Matters, Iyoo Igbondo and NLC Chairman Benue State Council, Terungwa Igbe all commended the sportsmanship attitude demonstrated by contestants which led to a peaceful conduct.
They urged members of the union to remain united as well as support the efforts of the present administration which they noted meant well for the senior citizens, emphasizing that members will benefit more by working together.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Michael Vembe reiterated his commitment to ensure that the union under his leadership is taken to greater heights.
He expressed appreciation to members for supporting him as well as the national secretariat for conducting a free and fair election process, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him by members.
Comrade Vembe, equally commended Governor Hyacinth Alia, for giving priority to pension matters since assumption of office through payment of monthly pensions and gratuities, approval of subsidized treatment for the senior citizens at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH among other benefits and promised the cooperation and support of members for the governor to succeed.
