The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri branch has elected Mr Allinor Ugochukwu as its chairman.
Ugochukwu, in an election on Saturday in Owerri, polled 226 votes to defeat his rival, Mr Fidelis Ihediohamma, who polled 82 votes.
He and members of his executive committee have a two-year tenure.
Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Soronnadi Njoku who declared the results, announced also announced other members of Ugochukwu’s executive committee.
They include Mr Michael Onuorah as Secretary, having garnered 226 votes to defeat his opponent, Mr Chimonso Neadike, who scored 87 votes.
Mrs Jane Ogali, who got 180 votes, emerged Treasurer after defeating Mrs Chinyere Iwunna, who secured 125 votes.
Mrs Chioma Egbu, with 114 votes became Vice-Chairman after defeating Mrs Amarachi Okpara who scored 107 votes and Mr Sunday Iheruo with 86 votes.
Mr Daniel Odiba is Publicity Secretary having scored 257 votes to defeat his opponent, Mr Femi Ogunrinde, who garnered 44 votes.
Accepting his swearing-in, Ugochukwu thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and sought their support.
“We have come a long way and I know many were disillusioned and dissatisfied during campaigns, I assure you that we will remain fair.
“We will ensure that the bar will remain one,” he said.
Imo Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Cyprian Akaolisa, congratulated the new executive of the bar.
He urged successive leaders of the bar to emulate the attitude of not imposing candidates on members during elections.
He assured the new executive that the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma would accord it the same cooperation given to the immediate past executive of the branch.
While commending members of the bar for their peaceful conduct at the election, he urged those who lost to support the new executive council.
“This is the most beautiful transition. We expect you to carry everybody along,” Akaolisa advised the new chairman.
Earlier in his valedictory remarks, the immediate past chairman of the branch, Mr Jude Ogamba, praised members of the bar for their support during his tenure.
Ogamba, who described his administration as “eventful”, said he achieved a lot in the area of welfare, healthcare and infrastructure.
He advised the new chairman to be focused, expressing hope that he will surpass his achievements.