Halima Usman emerges ANA Abuja chair

Halima Usman, a poet and civil servant has emerged the new chairperson of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja chapter following elections on Thursday April 19. Mrs Usman succeedes Ben Ubiri after the expiration of his tenure and his decision not to seek re-election.  At the elections, which held at Savannah Suites, Garki, Mrs Usman […]

Halima Usman, a poet and civil servant has emerged the new chairperson of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja chapter following elections on Thursday April 19.

Mrs Usman succeedes Ben Ubiri after the expiration of his tenure and his decision not to seek re-election. 

At the elections, which held at Savannah Suites, Garki, Mrs Usman returned unopposed with her challenger, Chukwudi Eze, a novelist and architect, deciding to withdraw from the contest after “being convinced by Halima’s competence to run the office,” he told members of the association.

The elections conducted by Dr. May Ifeoma Nwoye, assisted by Richard Ali, on behalf of the national body, was devoid of the controversies that had plagued previous elections. 

With the vice chairman, John Ondoma Freeman also retuning unopposed, the position of the Secretary of the association was contested for, with Jerry Adesewo beating Friday Onah with 18 votes to 4. Mr. Onah would later clinch the Assistant secretary slot after triumphing at the polls.

With elections over, Barrister Richard Ali proceeded to administer the oath of office to the newly elected EXCOS.

Speaking after being sworn-in, Mrs Usman pledged to do her best not to disappoint the confidence invested in her by members of the chapter.

“We will come knocking on your doors because we are all in this together,” she told the congress. 

While thanking the previous EXCO for their role in the association, she also thanked Mr Eze for endorsing her candidacy and stepping aside for her, pledging to run an inclusive administration to uplift the association as a gesture of appreciation for all those who came out to support her emergence as the chair.

She will pilot the affairs of the executive for the next two years following the turbulent reign of Mr Ubiri, which was hampered by infighting and an impeachment that was later adjudged illegal.

ANA Abuja New Exco

1. Chairman – Halima Usman

2. Vice Chairman – John Odoma Freeman

3. General Secretary – Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo

4. Assistant Gen. Sec. – Onah Friday

5. Treasurer – Lois Adams

6. Legal Adviser – Barr. Charles Iwuchukwu

7. Financial Secretary – Iorter Peter

8. PRO – Alex Enemanna