By Ambrose Ologide.
Urhobo Progress Union, Canada ( UPUC ) has rejected one Evelyn Akpojiyovwi Oboaguonnana as its president.
This was contained in a statement titled ‘ Rejection Of The UPU Worldwide Resolution By The General Assembly Of UPUC’ , issued and signed by Bishop Jude Onovwigho and Omiregwa Vwede Obahor ( Chairman and member of UPUC Caretaker Committee respectively) dated 25th February, 2025 made available to newsmen on Wednesday 5th March, 2025.
The statement alleged that Evelyn Akpojiyovwi Oboaguonona was imposed on UPUC as president by Urhobo Progress Union (UPU)Worldwide.
The statement among other things, gave four reasons to back its allegation.
The reasons according to the statement are : Non compliance of electoral process, no vote cast, absence of justification from UPU Worldwide leadership and lack of leadership in a democratic setting.
On its claim of ‘ Non Compliance of Electoral Process ‘ , the statement noted that the position of UPUC was never subjected to an election which its also noted that it is the fundamental democratic process for leadership selection.
Explaining its claim of ‘ No vote cast ‘ , the statement noted that at no point did the general membership of UPUC participate in an electoral process to vote the position of president as its emphasized that leadership must be confered through a transparent and democratic process and not by imposition.
‘ A tenure cannot be served out when the election was inconclusive ‘ the statement noted.
On its claim of ‘ Absence of Justification from UPU Worldwide leadership ‘ , the statement noted that UPU Worldwide leadership has failed to provide any basis or justification for declaring Evelyn Akpojiyovwi Oboaguonona as the president of UPUC .
‘ without a legitimate electoral process, such a declaration is undemocratic and unacceptable ‘ the statement added.
On its claim of ‘ Leadership In A Democratic Setting ‘ , UPUC pointed out that ‘ In a true democratic dispensation, leaders are elected by the people and not appointed arbitrarily.
‘ UPUC upholds democratic values and will not accept a leadership structure that does not reflect the collective will of its members ‘
The statement stressed that the alleged imposition of Evelyn Akpojiyovwi Oboaguonona as president UPUC by UPU Worldwide undermines the principles of democracy, fairness and transparency that should govern the union.
‘ Leadership positions must be determined through a legitimate and inclusive process that reflects the collective will of members.’ the statement also added.
The statement then urged all stakeholders to uphold due process and ensure that leadership election is carried out in a manner that respects the voices of members.
‘ Any attempt to impose a leader without broad consensus is unacceptable and sets a dangerous enduring precedence .
‘ The General Assembly of UPUC remains to upholding the principles of democracy, fairness and transparency in all leadership processes.’The statement further added.
The statement therefore called for due electoral procedure and for an immediate review of the decision of UPU Worldwide on the issue.
The UPUC in the statement however declared its commitment to a fair and democratic process for the strengthening of the union ‘ s self inflicted fragile unity .
