*Orders fresh sales of nominationforms
By Zekiegha Peter, Burutu
In a significant move aimed at resolving the ongoing issues in Tuomo community, the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government, Dr. Julius Takeme, has ordered the sale of nomination forms for the upcoming chairmanship election. This decision was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting in Tuomo Community on January ’20, where Dr. Takeme also ordered the suspension of the Amananawei election until all related court cases were resolved.
The meeting, attended by the Divisional Officer, DSS, and other security personnel, provided a platform for discussions on the elections and the community concerns. Dr. Takeme emphasized the need for peace in Tuomo, urging the Transition Committee, led by Barr. Roland Ombe, to begin the sale of forms for the community elections while postponing the Amananawei election due to ongoing legal issues.
Tensions flared when Chief Ebikapaye Agidi, who has been claiming the title of Amananawei, tried to disrupt the proceedings, criticizing the council chairman for forming a transition committee. His actions led to a brief scuffle, prompting security forces to intervene. Chief Agidee was warned to cease any further disturbances.
Despite the disruption, the majority of community stakeholders, including elders, chiefs, and youth leaders, voiced their support for Dr. Takeme’s decisions. The oldest man in the community, who holds the responsibility of crowning the Amananawei, also dismissed Chief Agidee’s claims, stating that he had never crowned him as the Amananawei and accusing him of spreading falsehood.
The meeting concluded with a call for calm and cooperation as the community awaited the resolution of legal matters surrounding the Amananawei election.
