By Amos Okioma
The Newly elected Chairman of the Arewa Community in Bayelsa state, Abubakar Balis and his Vice President, Isah Abdulahi have not only been sworn-in to take over the mantle of leadership, but received their certificates of return that were presented to them by the Chairman of the Arewa 2018 Elections, Dauda Adamu in a well attended ceremony that attracted who is who of the Arewa Community from all the local government areas of Bayelsa State including Sarikin Hausawa Alhaji Gbadamasi Salihu.
While presenting the certificate of return to Abubakar Balis, the Electoral Committee Chairman Dauda Adamu averred that despite the much anticipated fear that election was to be violence, but the peaceful conduct of the election was an eloquent testimony to the fact there is unity and oneness which translated to a free, fair and credible election which he urged other non – indigenous communities in Bayelsa state to emulate.He therefore appealed to every member to rally support for the new chairman and also urged them to accept everybody as his subjects since election is over and called on those who did vote for him feel free to Forster unity among themselves .
In his acceptance speech , Abubakar Balis expressed his appreciation to all and sundry for the peaceful , free , fair and credible election and with elections over it is now time see every member of the Arewa Community as his constituency, hence he implored everybody with useful advice and suggestions to avail themselves in order to move the association forward.
He promised to operate an open door policy and work harmoniously with Bayelsa state government and other non – indigenous communities.
He also advised that all those present should endeavor to mobilize their members from different units and areas to another ceremony very soon during which other members to be nominated after due consultations would be unveiled to public.
In his handing over note, out going chairman , Alhaji Ubali Abdulahi enumerated some achievements which include peace and regular meeting and called on the chairman to keep the temple.
Also speaking,Garuba Williams implored all members of Arewa Community to see themselves as one united indivisible strong family and enjoined them to love one another and shun every tendency that would breed division, acrimony, hatred , distrust among them. All of these will make them more relevance to the host government .He solicited the support and cooperation of stakeholders to uphold the unity of Arewa Community in Bayelsa state, just as Nuhu Ibrahim who was a strong opposition member said he had buried the hatchet and implored all stakeholders to make their contributions that will move the Association forward.
