The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, University of Calabar Branch (SSANU-UCB), has elected a new set of executives to pilot the affairs of the union after a peaceful and well-attended election.
The process began with a clear charge from the university’s leadership. Before voting commenced at the Hogan Bassey’s Car Park, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, welcomed representatives of the national body and SSANU members and reminded them of the need for order and fairness.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof. Anthony Afam Okiwelu, he stated that management was not backing any candidate and cautioned against desperation, urging all participants to let credibility guide the exercise.
Voting proceeded smoothly under the supervision of the electoral committee and National Officers of the union, with members from various units and departments turning out in large numbers.
Speaking shortly after the declaration of results, the National Vice Chairman South, Dr. Azumah Cheta, congratulated the team and reminded them that SSANU is one family.
He urged them to be magnanimous in victory, avoid segregation, and carry all members along, stressing that they are servant-leaders, privileged to serve.
In the same vein, the National Chairman, North, Comrade Abubakar Aliyu, described Unical as a model other federal universities should emulate, noting that the seamless and impressive voting process reflected the strength of organized union democracy.
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Okoi Ibor Ibor, also expressed appreciation to members for their massive turnout and cooperation, urging everyone to maintain the spirit of sportsmanship regardless of the outcome.
The new executives elected to lead SSANU-UCB are Chairman – Comrade Stephen Demort, Vice Chairman – Esther Evong, Secretary – Moses Otogo Ushie, Treasurer – Priscillia Bassey, Assistant Secretary – Enokela Emmanuel, Public Relations Officer( PRO) – Tony Sylvers, and Women Coordinator – Theresa Owan.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman of SSANU-UCB, Comrade Stephen Demort, described his emergence as divine, noting that the victory coincided with his birthday and felt like a double blessing.
He said the mandate was not about him personally but belonged to every member of SSANU-UCB, and pledged to run an inclusive administration where no one would be sidelined on the basis of tribe, unit, or affiliation.
Comrade Demort promised to make staff welfare the central focus of his tenure and vowed to confront issues affecting members with fairness and resolve.
He commended the Electoral Committee for conducting a transparent and credible process, and thanked the University Management for providing a conducive environment that ensured the election was peaceful from start to finish.
#Public Relations Unit, University of Calabar
