Intrigues that accompany elections in Nigeria and most other African countries were replicated last week as members of Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Abuja chapter, converged on Savannah Suites to elect new set of officials that will steer its affairs for the next two years.
The election was scheduled following the expiration of the Edwin Eriata Oribhabor-led executive that has been widely applauded for rejuvenating the association that was almost comatose.
National President of the association, Remi Raji had appointed BM Dzukogi and Chinyere Obi-Obasi, both members of the national executive, to ensure a credible election for the association.
But few moments into the Annual General Meeting, AGM, that heralded the election, it became obvious that there were two opposing factions as members were seen aligning with two major actors – the national legal adviser of the association, Barr Ahmed Maiwada, and the national vice president, Denja Abdullahi.
The situation worsened when the election team urged the out-gone chairman, Edwin Eriata Oribabhor to produce a list of eligible members who had met their financial obligations.
At this point, some persons who were not deemed fit to vote began making moves to stop the election.
The opposing group led by Maiwada had tried to convince the election team that the national president had instructed that the election be stopped.
According to sources who spoke to our correspondent, the opposing group attempted to snatch the ballot box when it became clear to them that the election team was going ahead with the election.
The election, however, held and produced DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu as new chairman.
Earlier, out-gone chairman, Eriata Oribhabor while addressing the AGM said his achievements were guided by the virtues of sacrifice in leadership, responsibility and accountability in governance.
“On the day of our election, I said I will in concert with my team; give my best to repositioning this association for the overall good of all. So far so good, we have given our best within available means and challenges.”
He said under his leadership, literary activities were vigorously pursued, adding that reading critique and guest writers sessions were mainstreamed.
Oribhabor mentioned other achievements to include facilitating book donations, financial supports, partnerships amongst others.
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