The Electoral Committee of the Bonny Graduates Forum (BGF) has announced Jude Idaerefagha Pepple as winner of the presidential election of the BGF held at the weekend.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Francis Sokari announced this on Sunday, July 9, 2023 in Bonny, Rivers State after the conclusion of collation of results for the election.

According to him, Pepple, who was the sole candidate for president, polled 71 votes to win the election.

He also announced James Carr Ezekiel-Hart as winner of the Secretary General position.

From the results announced, Ezekiel-Hart polled 48 votes ahead of his rival, Kenneth Dan-Jumbo, who polled 24 votes, to emerge Secretary General of the BGF.

Other persons elected include Christian Tobin; Vice President, Anne Rowland-Hart; Assistant Secretary, Dienye Jumbo; Publicity Secretary, Thayibat Pepple; Financial Secretary, Perpetual Green; Treasurer, and Diepirinye Ezekiel-Hart; Director of Socials.

The Electoral Committee stated that total registered voters were 167, while total accredited voters were 73. 

Speaking shortly after the announcement, Sokari thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring a hitch-free process, assuring that his committee delivered on its commitment to conduct a free, fair and credible electoral process.

Reacting to the announcement, the BGF president-elect, Jude Pepple said his victory is a victory for all contestants and members of the Forum, stressing that his administration would work to strengthen its stakeholdership and expand the scope of deliverables for its members.

“I have just been elected alongside other exco members and contestants. For me, I am pleased with the election; I am very happy it went peacefully.”

“In BGF, we do things like a family, there is no one that contests an election and feels that he lost election because everyone will always be attracted to the table when there are needs for us to discuss, when there are need for us to seek for advice because everyone is key and very important.”

“One thing we are very concerned about is our relationship with our stakeholders. As a body that is made up of think-tanks, we see ourselves as a point of contact where the authorities can always reach out to.”

“So, we want to strengthen this relationship with local authorities, strengthen this relationship with the traditional institutions, most importantly, the idea or the vision of our King is something that is key for us.”

“We want to partner with traditional institutions to see that we attract more jobs, attract training and retraining of our members; it is very key for us. We are very excited about this moment and we pray for the support of all members we will make things even better than what we have at the moment.”

On his part, outgoing President of the Bonny Graduates Forum (BGF), Awoiyeala Allison congratulated the Electoral Committee and the winners of the election, commending the contestants for their sportsmanship, while asserting that it was time to take the Forum to the next level by ensuring compliance to its constitutional provisions.

“As the President of Bonny Graduates forum, first, I commend the Electoral Committee for a job well done. In fact, they have shown how competent Bonny Graduates Forum is to the outside world.”

“Congratulations to the winners and also congratulations to the other winners as well; it’s not an easy one.”

“Going forward, it is important you associate yourself properly and while your associating yourself, you do everything necessary to be a full member. Any association that you don’t invest your resources, support and the rest, you cannot also gain completely, 100% of your right might not really come to you.”

On his part, the Secretary General-Elect, James Ezekiel-Hart appreciated the voters for supporting him, saying the BGF Secretariat under his watch would be consolidate on the achievements of the outgoing executive as well as work with the new leadership to rebrand the Forum.

“I think BGF is a brand and every brand that has stayed for some number of years in the market needs to rebrand. We are rebranding Bonny Graduates Forum.”

“The congress should expect a new Bonny Graduates Forum. Considering how far the previous executive has congress members should be excited.”

Also speaking, the Financial Secretary-Elect, Thayibat Pepple thanked the voters for their support, promising to work with other members of the executive to deliver a new Bonny Graduates Forum that is a delight to all.

“Thank you very much; I want to appreciate every member of the BGF that came out for this process today for me.”

“Myself and the Treasurer, we are all going to work as a team to push BGF forward. We are all going to work under the authority of our president because he is the one I charge of us, we are not going to do anything on our own violation.”

Earlier, the candidates had presented their manifestos where they outlined their campaign promises, assuring that they when elected they would work in synergy with other members of the executive to achieve the overall objectives of the Forum.