A fresh development has emerged in the Agbere Amananaowei contest as one of the aspirants, Mr. Ekpodowem Abidde, has written to the Chairman of the Agbere Community Electoral Committee, requesting the disqualification of the other two contenders, High Chief Reid Aladei and Chief Julius Torunariagha.
Abidde alleges that both candidates have breached the Electoral Guidelines governing the Agbere Amananaowei election. The guidelines were officially endorsed by the committee’s Chairman, Dr. Tareala Nikade, and Secretary, Barrister Dr. Kelvin Enokie Bribena.
Electoral Rules and Community Concerns
The violated section explicitly states that anyone indebted to the community or involved in a dispute with it is not eligible to contest for the Stool of Amananaowei of Agbere.
An examination by our correspondent revealed that item “×” in the electoral guidelines clearly states a candidate must not be indebted to the community, while item “xiv” specifies that candidates must not have any disputes with the community.
Additionally, page 12, section 2.1.3.2 subsection iii of the Constitution of Agbere Community declares that a candidate is ineligible to contest the Agbere Amananaowei election if indebted to the community.
Our correspondent also spoke with a prominent indigene of Agbere Community, who requested anonymity, and expressed concerns over perceived bias from the Chairman of the Electoral Committee towards a particular candidate (name withheld).
The source further stated that both the constitution and electoral guidelines are clear and unambiguous, and expects the Electoral Committee to take appropriate action by disqualifying the erring candidates and proceeding to declare Mr. Ekpodowem Abidde as the Amananaowei Elect, in line with section 2.1.4 subsection iii, which states: “a candidate for the election to the office shall be deemed duly elected where he is the only candidate nominated.”
Meanwhile, a peace committee, led by High Chief Ebikiri Akpolor, has been formed. The committee is working to resolve all grievances that have led to the suspension of the electoral process.
