Chief Titus Akpudo from Eziowelle Community in Idemili North Council Area has emerged as the new president of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU.

His emergence came after a successful election conducted by the union following the expiration of the tenure of his predecessor, Chief Alex Onukwue, who steered the affairs of the union for three years and ten months.

His inauguration, done alongside other executive members, attracted the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, past and present leadership of ASATU, the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim represented by Reverend Canon Ifeanyi Chukwura and traditional rulers among others.

Addressing the gathering, the chairman on the occasion, Igwe Charles Agbala of Uke, applauded the former President, Chief Onukwue for piloting the affairs of the union without bias, noting that there was peace and decorum during his tenure.

He asked the new President, Barrister Akpudo to be transparent in all his dealings, seek for assistance and advice in times of difficulty.

Igwe Agbala cautioned all the Presidents General to ensure synergy between them and their traditional rulers so as to promote peace, oneness and brotherliness, needed for the development of their communities.

In his speech, the Chairman Board of Trustees of ASATU, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene applauded the present administration for upgrading the Presidents’ General status to the fourth tier of government with stipends assuring that they will do all within their reach to ensure peaceful coexistence.

Chief Okeke-Ogene appealed to the government to disburse the community choose your project fund to the union to enable it complete the Chimezie Ikeazor Cultural Center at Mgbakwu even as he called for elections into town unions  rather than caretaker committees, which according to him, is gradually dominating the union.

Speaking later, the state President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prince Emeka Udodeme asked the new ASATU President to focus on his agenda and seek for ideas and helping hands in time of challenge.

In their separate speeches, the President General of Ozubulu Community, Mr  Peter Uzokwe and the Secretary of ASATU Youth Wing, Mr. Emeka Okoye-Ozo advised Barrister Akpudo to have a critical look at what his predecessor did, consolidate on them to take the union to an enviable height.

Correspondent, Amaka Chibuzor-Okoye reports that taking of oath of office and induction  added glamour to the event.