By Lawrence Nwimo
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State Branch, has re-elected Comrade Henry Ifeanyichukwu Ezeoke as its Chairman for a second term.
Ezeoke was returned unopposed on Saturday, alongside 10 other executive members at a peaceful election held at the Judiciary Headquarters, Awka Anambra State.
The election was conducted under the supervision of the National Vice President of JUSUN, South East, Comrade Chinedu Nwachukwu Eze accompanied by other Officers of the Union from south-east zone and the national secretariat.
Other elected officers are Comrade Obuka Christopher Chidi, Vice Chairman; Comrade Nwezi Ugochukwu, Assistant Secretary; Comrade Mogbogu Damian Ikenna, Treasurer; Comrade Anierobi Njaka Phina, Financial Secretary; and Comrade Robert Madueke Ifeoma Olive, Assistant Financial Secretary.
The rest are Comrade Ejike Samuel Obiora, Auditor; Comrade Okonkwo James Ngesina Esq, Legal Adviser; Comrade Ananwude Alex, PRO; Comrade Anutu Susan Chiekwo, Provost; and Comrade Nweje Francis Nwike, Organising Secretary.
Speaking on the outcome, the National Vice President, South-East, Comrade Chinedu Nwachukwu Eze said the fact that all positions were unopposed signifies unity and good performance by the outgoing administration.
"That the positions are unopposed means unity. It shows that the past executives were up and doing. It shows that there is coordination and that the previous administration performed well. That aligns with the saying that reward for good work is more work," he said.
He urged the new executive to keep the fire burning and sustain the level of performance that earned them the trust of members, stressing that leadership is a responsibility that demands continuous sacrifice and commitment.
According to him, the confidence reposed in them by the judiciary workers should not be taken for granted, but should serve as motivation to deepen welfare programmes, strengthen internal unity and justify the mandate given to them through even more visible and impactful service to the union.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Ezeoke thanked God for a historic and rancour-free poll, noting that Anambra JUSUN was previously known for controversial elections.
"All thanks to God. In the past, elections in Anambra State JUSUN were usually keenly contested and generated a lot of controversies, but for the first time in the history of the union in the state, the election was very peaceful and the positions were unopposed. That is a sign of tremendous progress for us," Ezeoke said.
He pledged that his administration would sustain its workers-friendly policies, with workers' welfare as its top priority, while enhancing productivity through collaboration with the management of the Anambra State Judiciary.
Ezeoke commended the Chief Judge of Anambra State, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu, and the Chief Registrar, for providing a collaborative and conducive environment for the union to operate and for maintaining a harmonious working relationship between the management and staff of the state judiciary.
He also expressed deep appreciation to the national leadership of JUSUN, led by the National President, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, for its consistent fatherly role, guidance and support to the Anambra State chapter, noting that the stability and progress recorded in the state would not have been possible without the backing of the national body.
Some judiciary staff who participated in the election described the outcome as a clear reflection of good leadership and effective representation, noting that the peaceful and unopposed nature of the poll showed that members were satisfied with the performance of the outgoing executive.
A judiciary staff, Mr Dilibe Ezunagu said: "Today, we witnessed first of its kind in Anambra State. For the first time, we are having a peaceful election where everybody is happy and there is no rancour. This clearly shows that things are now working well in Anambra JUSUN. Our Chairman is very good, he is a listening leader and he carries everybody together irrespective of where you come from."
On her part, Mrs Maryann Akalaka Nnamani from the High Court of Justice, Nnewi, said that Ezeoke's re-election was well-deserved, describing him as a man of integrity who knows the way.
"A man of integrity who knows the way and has shown that he can lead us in the right direction. He is humble, coordinated and transparent in his dealings. His re-election is a testament to his good work and we are confident that he will do even more in this second tenure," she said.
Earlier, former JUSUN National Treasurer, Comrade Yahaya Mohammed, charged the newly elected executives to run an inclusive administration and give listening ears to all members.