The son of Works Minister David Umahi has emerged chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) swept Saturday’s council elections across the state.
But it was his promise to work without collecting his official salary that has grabbed attention following the election.
Osborn Umahi, who emerged the APC candidate in Ohaozara, pledged to forfeit his salary and channel the money into projects aimed at improving the lives of residents in the local government.
The chairman-elect also promised to focus on rural development, youth empowerment and agriculture, saying his administration would work to create more opportunities for people at the grassroots.
His victory was part of a clean sweep by the APC, which won all 13 chairmanship seats and 171 councillorship positions declared by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC).
The other chairmen-elect are Peace Agwu (Ishielu), Paul Ituma (Ohaukwu), Friday Nwuhuo (Ezza North), Chinedu Mkpuma (Ezza South), Chidi Nwode (Ikwo), Timothy Nwachi (Afikpo), Ikechukwu Ogbofia (Onicha), Michael Kalu Anyim (Ivo), Simeon Onuoha (Edda), Helen Aduga (Izzi), Chidiebere Alo (Abakaliki) and Chibueze Odigwe (Ebonyi).
EBSIEC Chairman, Patrick Enyi, announced the results in Abakaliki, saying other political parties also took part in the election.
However, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the exercise, describing it as unconstitutional and legally defective.
The PDP accused the ruling APC-led government of conducting what it described as a “mono-party” election and argued that the process violated previous court judgments relating to local government elections in the state.
The party also threatened to challenge the results in court, insisting that any council administration produced through what it considers an unlawful process cannot enjoy full legitimacy.
For Osborn Umahi, however, the immediate task is now to turn his promise into action as he prepares to take charge of Ohaozara.
His decision to give up his salary could make him one of the most closely watched council chairmen in the state, with residents likely to judge his administration by whether the pledge translates into visible development at the grassroots.
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