Following a fiercely contested election for the position of Chairman of the Association of Urhobo Ex-Agitators (AUE), a platform for ex-militants of Urhobo extraction in the South-South geopolitical zone, General H.M. Ebiere has emerged victorious as the new Chairman.
This announcement was made by the Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, in a statement issued shortly after the electoral exercise, which took place at his Ughelli Mayoral Palace on Tuesday.
According to the Mayor, who also heads the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC) and is a prominent ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta region, the need for unity and cohesion among Urhobo ex-agitators is crucial to fostering growth and development among Urhobo youths.
He emphasized that the election of a Chairman and his executive would position the association as a formidable force in the political landscape, advocating for the youth when necessary.
As the Mayor of Urhobo people worldwide, he pledged to stand as a reliable pillar whenever needed, noting that the unity represented by this association has opened new avenues for collaboration and understanding among Urhobo youths.
The Mayor also expressed confidence in the leadership abilities of General Ebiere, stating that he has the strength to lead by example.
However, he advised Ebiere to lead with integrity, ensuring that the goals of the association are not compromised. The Mayor further reiterated his commitment to supporting the Ebiere-led secretariat and welcomed them to consult him whenever necessary.
“Whatever concerns the good and prosperity of the Urhobo nation is my priority, and that is what I live for. We were all in the creeks at one time or another for one purpose — to wake up the Federal and state governments to their responsibilities in developing the Niger Delta region and its people.”
He continued, “The struggle still subsists today, and we must remain united to achieve our noble cause. The establishment of this association is a testament to that. It is my brainchild, and I am committed to nurturing it to maturity and productivity.
This productivity is aimed at ensuring that the Urhobo nation rises to its rightful place in the comity of nations.”
The election, held on March 25, 2025, saw voters drawn from the three phases recognized by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP 1, 2, and 3), which is led by the Mayor. The candidates for the position of Chairman were Abraham, Gen. H.M. Vwaghie, and Gen. Oghenefejiro Owinama.
The general consensus from the election was that General H.M. Ebiere emerged as the winner and was immediately sworn in by the Mayor in his palace. Other contestants pledged their loyalty and support to the new executive.
In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in Chairman, General H.M. Ebiere, pledged his unwavering loyalty to the Mayor and the leadership of the Association, stating that the Urhobo nation is their collective heritage, and it is their duty to protect and uplift it.
Present at the event were notable ex-militant leaders such as Generals Dimaro Vwaghie, Abraham Vwaghie, Okoro Godwin, Rume James, Eddy Otobrise, and Akpos Ogidigben. Additionally, Oghene Fejiro, Gen. Oshegu, Charles Akatakpo, Sodoma Addo, and George Esebare were among the leaders of ex-agitators who cast their ballots in the election.
