By Raymond Ozoji, Awka
It was an atmosphere of music and dancing at Umueri Civic Centre (Ama Umueri) Anambra-East Local Government Area on Saturday April 18, venue of the formal handover ceremony of Chief John Metchie led Umueri General Assembly Executives.
It was the first time in many years to witness a peaceful, rancour-free handover ceremony where the outgoing President-General was physically present to usher in his successor for the trajectory of good work to continue in the ancient kingdom.
In his handover speech, the outgone PG, Chief John Metchie who had dexterously and meticulously served Umueri community between 2022 and 2026, said he gave God all the glory for giving him the enablement to serve his people diligently with resonating results.
Metchie noted that it has been a profound honour and privilege to serve as President-General of Umueri over the past four years and that the trust reposed in him to lead the town has been one of the most significant responsibilities of his life.
He also noted that his desire for the office was never in pursuit of personal gains or ambition but a genuine commitment to reposition Umueri as a strong socio-economic, political force as well as to lay the foundation for a more prosperous future for all and sundry.
Metchie said his administration was able to navigate through health, education, infrastructure, security, business, empowerment programmes, sports and other spheres to touch the lives of the people in the most remarkable manner especially in security where the joint military base he singlehandedly built at the border between Anambra-East and Anambra-West has helped tremendously to curb kidnappings, armed robbery attacks and other security breaches in the area.
He said, " Leadership is a relay not a destination. I handover the baton with immense pride in our collective achievements and absolute confidence in my successor.
I therefore urge every son and daughter of Umueri to extend to the new leadership the same remarkable support, loyalty and cooperation that we enjoyed. I will always be available for consultations, suggestions and admonitions, if need be. "
Meanwhile the outgone financial secretary of Umueri General Assembly, Mr. Wisdom Onuora, reinforced the fact that it was the first time in the history of Umueri community that an outgoing government handed over officially to an incoming government with the outgoing President-General present on the occasion.
Onuora said John Metchie was physically present to do the official handover and also gave the electoral committee a level playing field to conduct the election that produced the new PG. He reiterated that the outgone PG assured the new town union government that he would always be available to offer useful advice where necessary.
The new President-General of Umueri General Assembly, Chief Chijioke Smart Nweke, in his remarks, said his government will ensure peace and unity in Umueri community. He noted that the outgone PG has done so well for the community, stressing that theirs is to improve on what Chief John Metchie has done especially in the areas of security and social welfare of Umueri people.
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