Metchie Bows Out as Umueri PG, Nweke Takes Over
RAYMOND OZOJI reports
It was an atmosphere of music and dancing at the Umueri Civic Centre (Ama Umueri), in Anambra East Local Government Area, on Saturday, April 18, the venue of the formal handover ceremony of the Chief John Metchie-led Umueri General Assembly executives.
It was the first time in many years that a peaceful, rancour-free handover ceremony was witnessed, with the outgoing President-General physically present to usher in his successor, ensuring continuity in the trajectory of good governance in the ancient kingdom.
In his handover speech, the outgoing PG, Chief John Metchie, who served the Umueri community dexterously and meticulously between 2022 and 2026, said he gave God all the glory for enabling him to serve his people diligently with impactful results.
Metchie noted that it had been a profound honour and privilege to serve as President-General of Umueri over the past four years, adding that the trust reposed in him to lead the town had been one of the most significant responsibilities of his life.
He further stated that his desire for the office was never driven by the pursuit of personal gain or ambition, but by a genuine commitment to reposition Umueri as a strong socio-economic and political force, as well as to lay the foundation for a more prosperous future for all.
Metchie said his administration successfully navigated the sectors of health, education, infrastructure, security, business, empowerment programmes, sports, and others, positively impacting the lives of the people in remarkable ways.
He particularly highlighted achievements in security, noting that the joint military base he single-handedly built at the border between Anambra East and Anambra West had significantly helped to curb kidnappings, armed robbery attacks, and other security breaches in the area.
He said: “Leadership is a relay, not a destination. I hand over the baton with immense pride in our collective achievements and absolute confidence in my successor. I therefore urge every son and daughter of Umueri to extend to the new leadership the same remarkable support, loyalty, and cooperation that we enjoyed. I will always be available for consultations, suggestions, and admonitions, if need be.”
Meanwhile, the outgoing Financial Secretary of the Umueri General Assembly, Mr Wisdom Onuora, reinforced the fact that it was the first time in the history of the Umueri community that an outgoing administration officially handed over to an incoming one with the outgoing President-General present at the occasion.
Onuora stated that John Metchie was physically present to conduct the official handover and also provided the electoral committee with a level playing field to conduct the election that produced the new PG.
He reiterated that the outgoing PG had assured the new town union government of his continued availability to offer useful advice when necessary.
In his remarks, the new President-General of the Umueri General Assembly, Chief Chijioke Smart Nweke, said his administration would prioritise peace and unity in the Umueri community.
He noted that the outgoing PG had performed commendably, stressing that his administration would build on Metchie’s achievements, particularly in the areas of security and social welfare of the Umueri people.
