By Chibuike Osuji
It was a tough contest recently when Ladipo spare parts market, arguably the largest spare parts market in sub-Saharan Africa, effected change of guard in the administration of their umbrella union.The election attracted high level security presence from the Directorate of security services, DSS, contingents of Police drafted from the Area D command, led by the Area D commander, Akinboyo Olasoji, whose track record in sanitizing turbulent areas preceded him. In the end, the election was adjudged peaceful, free and fair.
Ladipo Market has been a source of turbulence , particularly during the controversy of relocation politics and elections.
After the elections, Mbamala Emmanuel Ngozichukwuka, generally known with his nickname PDP, emerged as the new President of group. He beat Nwannenemere Chinyelugo Festus by getting 842 votes as against &&3 votes. He takes over from Cyril Chukwujindu onyemaechi, aka honesty.For the position of Secretary, Nnaji Victor Ikechukwu dusted Ikpo Emmanuel Uchechukwu and others to emerge winner, while Nkemakolam Chigozie was elected as the Financial secretary.Oputa Malachy was also elected as the treasurer.
Reacting to the election, the outgoing president, Cyril Onyemaechi, expressed his gratitude to the traders and particularly the security operatives led by Akinboyo olasoji for a peaceful election.He was specifically grateful to the Area D Commander, bearing in mind the tension that preceded the election.”My major interest is to hand over to the incoming leadership through a free and fair process without rancor or any form of violence. I am happy that has been achieved”, he said.
Previous elections in Ladipo spare parts market have been held under tension and threat of violence.
Reacting to the election, the traders were unanimous in praising the former leader’s capability and ability to have restored order within the spare parts market. According to many of them, he has left an indelible mark and achieved much that the new management is expected to build on.
A total of 29 candidates participated in the election, vying for various positions. 2,364 accredited voters were able to cast their votes.The exercise was midwifed by the electoral umpire, Chukwudi Kingsley.
