By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
A Port Harcourt-based cleric with Abundant Evangelical Life Mission, Pastor Ule Williams Glad, has been elected as the new National President of University of Port Harcourt, UniPort, Alumni Association.
Williams, a 1987 graduate of the university was elected in a keenly contested election, defeating Nollywood movie star, Bob Manuel-Odokwu, with just four votes.
The newly elected President polled 45 votes at to Bob-Mabuel’s 41 votes at the weekend in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, where the election took place.
The contest which took place at Keeves Hotel, off Murtala Mohammed Highway, Calabar, about a kilometer to the Calabar Sports Club, was witnessed by men and women of timber and calibre, security agents and the media.
Williams, a social scientist, who is currently pursuing a doctorate, PhD, degree programmes at same university, in his post-election speech, called on the members of the alumni association,both home and in the diaspora to join hands with him in the running of the affairs of the association and that of their alma mater, stressing that there was neither victor nor vanquished in the contest, adding that his victory at the poll is victory for every alumnus, irrespective of where they reside.
The preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is from the Port Harcourt chapter of the alumni called for inputs and ideas from all the alumni that would help in the lifting of the association to a greater pedestal, even as he pledged to do all that was necessary within his reach to ensure that development is attracted to the association.
Williams further pledged not to betray the confidence reposed in him, promising to carry everyone along.
He said, “In the said contest, there was no victor nor vanquished. The victory that I got in that election was for all of us. In UniPort, we are always together.
“It’s like a brotherly thing and not for one man alone. I thank all the alumni who sacrificed their precious time, leaving their comfort zones in their respective states to come to Calabar where the election held to support me.
“It couldn’t have been possible without your support. The support I got from you baffles me. Is it strength, fame or popularity?
“Who am I to say I have it more than my opponent. It’s just a show of love, and determination that we have to move forward together as one, as we used to be in school.”
In a brief interview with the media shortly after inauguration of the newly elected national officers, Bob-Manuel Odokwu, who is from the Anambra State chapter of the alumni association lauded the newly inducted officers, and asked them to be magnanimous in victory.
Be said, “I think am satisfied, politics shouldn’t be a do or die affair. It’s a family thing and a game that has to be won by someone, incidentally he won.
“I wish all the elected officers a successful tenure in office. You can count on my support.”
Also speaking, a member of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, of the University of Port Harcourt National Convention/Election, tagged Calabar 2022, Edim Esq, who spoke in company of another LOC member, who is the immediate past Financial Secretary, Mr. Frank Aghara, called on UniPort alumni to identify with the association notwithstanding where they reside.
In his remarks the secretary of the UniPort Alumni Association Board of Trustees, BoT, Mr. Paul Abbey, said the alumni association remains the only platform that can provide opportunity for the old boys and girls of the institute, to meet and rub minds, criss-cross ideals for the betterment of themselves, the school and the nation at large.
