Professor Kingsley Ikechukwu Ubaoji has emerged as the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, chapter.
He polled a total of 616 votes to defeat Comrade Okenwa Ogbodo who came second with a total of 227 votes. Comrade Uju Ezenekwe, who came third, polled a total of 141 while Comrade Peter Okoye came fourth with a total of 84 votes.
An elated Comrade Ubaoji was full of gratitude over the outstanding victory as he glorified God for making the victory possible.
He also thanked everyone who believed in him by casting their votes for him.
In a statement after the electoral success, he urged his supporters, especially the young lecturers who see him as a model and mentor, to come onboard, overlook his shortcomings as a human and remain with him to actualize their dreams of the principles of the Union that make ASUU strong.
He said further: “Beloved comrades, I wish to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for finding me worthy and for choosing me to serve you as the ASUU Chairman for the next two years. I was overwhelmed by the massive turn out at the election. Given the cost of transportation today in our country, it is only the love of our union and the love of me that could have driven you out of the comfort of your homes. I remain immensely grateful to you all. May all our dreams come through.
“This is an ASUU election like no other in the sense that the contestants carried on like one family. No ill feelings, no attempts to derogate each other. I appreciate in a special way all my co-contestants. Cde Uju Ezenekwe, I deeply appreciate your love for me. From the first day you knew about my desire to be part of this contest, you never for one day stopped checking on me and encouraging me. I would always wonder in my mind if you were not in the contest. Cde. Okenwa Ogbodo, would always call me his junior brother. Anywhere our paths crossed, we huggged and laughed to the surprise and amazement of people. That is the spirit, contest for a position should not degenerate to enemity and war. Nigerian politicians need to learn this lesson. Okenwa you are a great man and I salute and honour you. Cde. Peter Okoye, when you told me of your intent to run, I shook your hand and rejoiced greatly because young persons should take over leadership. If those who gave Nigeria Independence and took the mantle of leadership shortly after Independent were between 28 and 42 years, why is it that young men today are shying away from leadership.
I thank you Peter, I thank you Ogbodo, I thank you Lady Uju. You made the contest worth its while, you have all worn my heart and my respect. Be assured that in this contest, no person lost. We all won, I was just chosen to be the first among equals. Please be assured that we will lead together as a team. Be ready to put all your great ideas on the table. OUR UNION MAKES US STRONG.
“May I in a special way congratulate the out going Executive ably led by Cde Stephen Ufoaro. Cde Ufoaro you are a classic example of sacrifice. We are immensely grateful for all your Executive Committee have done for the union. Be assured we will build on your great legacies. Please keep your doors wide open for consultations. I also wish to thank you specially for not being partisan in the course of the election. You showed no preference for any candidate and you let the Electoral Committee do their work unhindered. Equally to be appreciated in this respect are the IPC, IPZC, and NEC who never interfered in the election. That is the ASUU spirit and I hail you for upholding same. May God bless all men who never or will ever use the paraphernalia of office to influence elections. God bless you richly.
“I cannot thank the Electoral Committee enough for the good job they have done. The Cde Tochukwu Okafor led Committee did a wonderful and commendable job and I wish INEC should take lessons from them. Thanks to the Electoral Committee for upholding the union’s democratic culture.
“My special gratitude goes to our previous ASUU leaders, Cde Frank Okoyeh, Cde Harris Odumegwu, Comrade Aribodor and their executives. You and some other unsong heroes laid a strong foundation for ASUU at UNIZIK. You are our heroes past. Be assured that your labours will never be in vain. We pledge to serve with heart and might, ONE UNION, bound in freedom, peace and unity.
“My special appreciation to our dear Vice Chancellor and his team for providing an enabling environment and encouraging a free and fair election in ASUU. We assure the Vice Chancellor of ASUU’s continued cooperation and support to enable the realisation of Project 200.
“To all my supporters especially the elders and Professors from across the university who kept calling to encourage and reassure me of their support. I thank you immensely for believing in me. I ask that you stand by me with words of wisdom, guide my temperament and admonish me where necessary and help me improve on myself to a best version, for like Abraham Lincoln noted, _it is the test of fire that makes a fine steel._
“To the young lecturers who see me as a model and mentor, please come onboard and overlook my shortcomings as a human and remain with me to actualize your dreams of the principles of the Union that makes us strong.
“To all and sundry, I offer my hand of fellowship, let’s do it together. Just know that I am here to serve you. As your chief servant, I’m the least in the list now. In the order of 1-10, I’m number 10. Trust me on this. We’re all colleagues and friends and you all voted for me. The election is over, it is time for work. A roll call of energy and self abnegation is required. Let’s keep our eyes on the ball and our minds on the goal.
“This is a call to service and I promise that I’ll serve passionately, I’ll serve diligently and I’ll serve honestly. All I ask for is your support and prayers. Congratulations to all of us!!!
“To God is the glory”.
