Constitution – Okpe Union

Constitution Of The Okpe Union(2021 Amendment)

Passed by the general assembly of the Okpe Union that held on the 15th of May, 2021 at the Okpe house. (Registered office of the union), NO. 65 (FORMELLY NO. 67), MOSHALASHI STREET, OBALENDE, IKOYI, LAGOS, NIGERIA.

Article 1: Introduction

Whereas the Okpe Union had been in existence officially since May 16, 1930, and was registered with the Nigerian Colonial Government under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Ordinance of 1924 on the 13” of December, 1934];

Whereas the Okpe Union has had several amendments to its constitution from to time to meet with its continuing advancement in Nigeria and the globe at large;

Whereas the last amendment to the Okpe Union Constitution was in 2016;

And whereas members of the Okpe Union from different branches are now desirous of further amending several aspects of the extant constitution;

We the members of the Okpe Union from branches all over Nigeria and beyond, who are of the Okpe Nation of Delta State, Nigeria, having firmly and solemnly resolved to live in peace, unity, love and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble people under God, dedicated to the promotion of understanding and cooperation among members within Nigeria and the Diaspora, do hereby make, enact and give to ourselves this constitution, known as the Constitution of the Okpe Union on this 15” day of May, 2021.

Article 2: Name & Headquarters

A. Name

The Organization shall be known and called “Okpe Union“, hereinafter referred to and known as “The Union“.

B. Headquarters Of The Union

Whereas the registered office and headquarters of the Okpe Union is the Okpe Union House, No. 67, Moshalashi Street, Obalende, Lagos, a new permanent headquarters shall be built at a place in Okpeland, Delta State to be determined by the General Assembly of the Union. Branch offices of the Union shall be established from time to time as the Union deems fit. The regional headquarters or offices for the purpose of cooperation and synergy shall be as stated in Article 22.

Article 3: Definition Of The Union

The Union shall be a socio–cultural ethnic organization established for thepurpose of protecting and projecting the interests and general welfare of the Okpe people of Delta State, Nigeria and the Diaspora.

Article 4: Motto

The Motto of the Union is “FOKIE OSONOBRUGHWE RHE OTORE QWAN” (FOR GOD AND OUR LAND)

Article 5: Slogan

The official slogan of the Union shall be: Call: Okpe…o!

Response: Agbamuaeni!

Call: Okpe…o! Response: Agbamuaeni!

Call: Okpemena…a!

Response: Owhu ovo!

Article 6: The Logo

The Logo of the Union shall be a CREST with an Elephant on the bottom left, a palm tree on the bottom right and a star centrally located with an eagle on top of the star.

Article 7: Supremacy Of The Union's Constitution

i. This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons of the Union.

ii. The Union shall not be governed nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the government of the Union or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.

iii. This Constitution shall operate side by side with Extra–ordinary resolutions of the General Assembly–in–session. Howevere, where such resolutions conflict with the provisions of this constitution, this constitution shall prevail.

Article 8: Aims, Objectives And Activities

The aims and objectives of the Union shall include the following:

i. To contribute to the formulation of strategic policies as they relate to the development of the Okpe Nation.

ii. To provide strategic advice to the Orodje and the Udogun Okpe on national and international issues impacting on the Okpe people.

iii. To establish support networks and information exchange mechanism for Okpe people in Nigeria and the rest of the world.

iv. To commission research studies in Okpe history, language, culture and tradition.

v.To highlight and celebrate significant historical sites and events of Okpe Kingdom.

vi. To hold annual conferences on various subject matters that are relevant to the development of the Okpe Nation.

vii. To promote and defend the interests of Okpe people in Nigeria and the rest of the world.

viii. To promote Okpe history, language and cultural heritage at all times.

ix. To speak on behalf of the Okpe people after due consultation with relevant stakeholders of the Okpe Nation.

x. To facilitate the socio–economic, educational and industrial development of Okpe Kingdom..

xi. To work closely with all other unions with similar interests for the betterment of all Okpe people.

xii. To foster unity amongst the Okpe people.

xiii. To award scholarships and bursaries to deserving Okpe indigenes.

xiv. To organise and present merit awards to deserving personalities within and outside Okpeland who have contributed notably to the advancement and development of Okpeland and the Okpe Nation.

Article 9: Membership

Membership of the Union shall be open to persons (male or female) whose any or both parentsare indigenous to any of the communities of the Okpe ethnic nationality of Delta State Nigeria or traceableto any of the 4 (four) Ruling Houses or Quarters of Okpe Kingdom which are Orhue, Orhoro, Evwreke and Esezi, as well as women married to Okpe husbands and in the marriage.

Article 10: Organs Of The Union (Structure, Power And Functions)

The organs of the Union shall be:

A. The General Assembly

B. The Board of Trustees

C. The National Congress

D. The National Executive Council (NEC)

E. Branches

F. The Youth Wing

G. The Women Wing

Article 11: The General Assembly

A. Status And Powers Of The General Assembly

I. The General Assembly shall constitute the highest decision making organ of the Union.

ii. Decisions taken at the General Assembly shall be binding on all branches and their members as well as all other organs of the Union.

iii. The General Assembly shall have power to elect the National Executive Council of the Union at the expiration of its tenure and elect a replacement where there is a vacancy in the NEC save for the circumstances where the National Congress may fill a vacancy under Article 14.

iv. The General Assembly shall have power to ratify nominations for Board of Trustees of the Union, and such other requests presented behalf of the National Congress or the National Executive Council.

v. The General Assembly shall have power to dissolve the National Executive Council by a two–thirds majority before the expiration of its tenure where a vote of no confidence motion is passed on the entirety of the NEC. The General Assembly can remove from office any erring member of the National Executive Council by a two–thirds majority resolution, in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

vi. The General Assembly shall have power to receive complaints of gross misconduct or dereliction of duty against a NEC member by the National Executive Council or a branch through a written resolution by the general meeting of that branch alleging gross misconduct against that NEC member.

vii. The General Assembly in handling the complaint against a NEC member in “vi” above may pass a warning, suspension, removal or an impeachment resolution by a two–thirds majority resolution. A resolution of removal is to follow a finding by the General Assembly that the respondent is incompetent or not dedicated to the duties of his office while a resolution of impeachment is to follow a finding of guilt to the allegation of gross misconduct ranging from fraud, crime or intentional gross violation of the Okpe Union Constitution.

Provided always that fair hearing shall be granted the respondent or person petitioned against before any motion which amounts to sanction or punishment can be entertained.

viii. The General Assembly may pass resolutions on any matter of urgent importance to the Okpe Union or Okpe Nation.

ix. Every amendment of the Okpe Union Constitution shall be ratified by the General Assembly before it shall come into effect.

x. The General Assembly shall hold at least once in two years at any venue and place to be determined by the National Executive Council provided that an Extra Ordinary General Assembly may be considered in determining the period of two years for the next General Assembly. It shall be convened by the President General or at the request of at least 2/3 of members of the total members of the National Executive Council to the General Secretary (through a verifiable medium).

xi. An Extra–ordinary General Assembly which is one other than the Bi–yearly General Assembly may be convened by the President General or at the request ofat least 2/3 of members of the total members of the National Executive Council to the General Secretary (through a verifiable medium).

xii. An extra–ordinary General Assembly of the Union may be requested by a simple majority resolution of the National Congress of the Union in which case the General Secretary shall send a notice to branches, affiliates and wings entitled to notices. Where the resolution of the National Congress for the holding of an extra–ordinary General Assembly is sequel to a removal or impeachment resolution of any member of the NEC, the National Congress may appoint any NEC member or a branch official to send the notice of the extra–ordinary General Assembly meeting provided there is a specific resolution to bypass the NEC in convening the General Assembly.

xiii. The meeting of the General Assembly shall be presided over by the President General, and in his absence, the next available Deputy President General in hierarchy. The General Secretary shall be the clerk of the General Assembly and in his absence; the Assistant General Secretary shall act as the clerk.

xiv. Where from the agenda of the meeting of the General Assembly, there is a removal or an impeachment resolution from the National Congress of the Union which relates to an official of the Union who is to perform the function of presiding over or acting as clerk of the meeting, the said officers shall recuse themselves from so acting and shall let their deputies to perform the said functions in that meeting of the General Assembly. Where several members of the NEC are included in the said removal or impeachment resolution, delegates at the General Assembly shall appoint a temporary presiding officer and clerk from among themselves.

xv. The quorum of the General Assembly shall be two–thirds(2/3) of the total sum of delegates invited to the meeting provided that branches and affiliates in default of their annual dues to the National Secretariat of the Union shall not be considered in determining the quorum. No branches or delegates qualified to attend the General Assembly shall be denied invitation.

xvi. The General Secretary shall give notice to branches, affiliates, wings, the BOT and others entitled to attend the General Assembly, of at least sixty (60) days before the date of the General Assembly, indicating the time, date, agenda and venue.

B. Composition of the General Assembly

The General Assembly shall be made up of the following:

a. All National Executive Council members.

b. All Board of Trustees members.

c. Five delegates from each branch(with minimum of two delegates qualifying the branch as represented).

d. Two delegates from each affiliate body (minimum of one delegate qualifying that affiliate body as represented).

e. Two delegates from each zone of the Okpe Union Youth Wing(minimum of one delegate qualifying that zone as represented butthe).

f. Two delegates each from each zone of the Okpe Union Women Wing (minimum of one delegate qualifying that zone as represented) Provided that the delegates of each branch, affiliate or wing, shall not be admitted to the General Assembly if the branch, affiliate body or wing which they represent is in default of its annual dues to the National Secretariat for the preceding and current year.

Article 12: The Board Of Trustees (BOT)

(A) The Trustees of THE OKPE UNION shall be appointed by the NEC of the Union and ratified by the General Assembly of the Union.

(B) Such Trustees (hereinafter referred to as “The Trustees” or “The BOT“) shall be eleven (11) in number and shall be known as “The REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF THE OKPE UNION”

i. Resigns his office

ii. Becomes incapacitated

iii. Becomes insane.

iv. Is officially declared bankrupt.

v. Is convicted of a criminal offence involving dishonesty by a Cbuft or Tribunal of competent jurisdiction.

vi. Is recommended for removal from office by the Union’s National Executive Council and approved by majority vote by the General Assembly of the OKPE UNION.

vii. Ceases to be a Nigerian.

(D) Upon a vacancy occurring in the number of Trustees, the General Assembly shall appoint or approve the appointment of another eligible member of the OKPE UNION.

(E) The BOT of the Union shall comprise a Chairman, Secretary, and nine (9) other members. The BOT shall have a term of seven (7) years and renewable once.

(F) The BOT shall serve as an advisory body to the National Executive Council and to the Union generally on all matters. concerning the Union and the Okpe Nation.

(G) The BOT shall meet at least twice a year either physically or virtually.

(H) The BOT shall initiate reconciliation and peaceful resolution of conflicts and differences between members of the Union or between within organs of the Union and ensure always to adopt just and fair settlement approaches to disputes.

Article 13: The Device Of The Common Seal

a. The Union shall have a common seal.

b. Such common seal shall be kept in the custody of the General Secretary who shall produce it when required for use by the trustees and such officials required to execute agreements that the Union is a party.

c. All documents to be executed by the Trustees shall be signed by such of them and sealed with the common seal.

d. The Trustees shall have power to accept and hold in trust all land belonging to THE OKPE UNION and to acquire land on behalf of the OKPE UNION subject to such conditions as the Corporate Affairs Commission may impose.

Article 14: The National Congress

A. Status and powers of the National Congress

i. The Nation Congress shall be the regular consultative and approving organ of the Union.

ii. Decisions taken by the National Congress shall be binding on all branches and their members as well as all other organs of the Union provided that resolutions or decisions by the General Assembly override that of the National Congress.

iii. The National Congress shall have power to consider and if satisfied to approve the budget of the National Executive Council for the Union.

iv. The National Congress shall have power to ratify nominations for standing Committees of the Union, appointive offices of the Union andsuch other requests presented by the National Executive Council which are not reserved for the General Assembly by the Constitution.

v. The National Congress shall have power to discipline erring members of the Union whose cases are referred to it by the NEC of the Union or by a branch through the NEC to the National Congress. The sanctions may include a warning, a suspension or a resolution recommending that the General Assembly expel the member.

vi. The National Congress shall have power to fill a vacancy in the NEC occasioned by the resignation of a member or vacancy occasioned by the medical incapacity of the occupant of the office where the tenure of office is not more than a year to lapse and where there would not be a General Assembly meeting within six months from the occurrence of the vacancy. For incapacity, the NEC must have passed a resolution to that effect and presented same to the National Congress.

vii. Delegates at the National Congress shall have power to report on, deliberate on, and consider any developments, issues or events happening in or affecting any place or people in Okpe land, and branches of the Okpe Union

viii. Electoral Committee

The National Congress shall have powers to set up an Electoral Committee to conduct elections into the NEC of the Union close to the expiration of its tenure in accordance with the provisions of Article 30 or for the purpose of a bye election to fill vacancies in the NEC where applicable. The Electoral Committee shall comprise a minimum of three (3) members

ix. Electronic or Online Elections

The National Congress shall have power to pass a resolution determining that the general elections for the National Executive Council of the Union at the expiration of its tenure at a particular time or any other election in the Unionshall be physical, electronic, virtual or an online process or a combination of the above. The electronic, virtual or online process precludes the physical assemblage of the delegates at a particular venue putting into cognisance the prevailing economic, security, and public health conditions and policies at the particular time.

x. The resolution of the National Congress in “xi” above determining the electronic, virtual or online election or voting shall outline the date, time frame and procedure for the election as clearly as possible including how to ensure that an absolute majority of the usual delegates to a General Assembly under the constitution are able to participate in the said election.

B. Composition of and Conduct of the Business of the National Congress

i. The National Congress shall comprise the Chairmen and Secretaries of the branches of the Union, presidents or chairmen of affiliate bodies, the National Secretary and Zonal Coordinators of the Okpe Union Women Wing, the National Secretary and Zonal Coordinators of the Okpe Union Youth Wing, as well as all NEC members.

ii. The delegates of the branches, affiliate bodies and wings that are part of the National Congress above may be represented by their proxies provided the representatives are members of the executive of the said branches, affiliates, or wings as the case may be. NEC members shall not attend the meetings of the National Congress by proxy.

iii. Where proxies are to represent the offices stated in paragraph “I” above to attend a meeting of the National Congress, the leader(s) of the branch, affiliate or wing shall inform the General Secretary of the Union with the details of the proxy (name and position) at least forty–eight (48) hours to the meeting. Where the meeting is virtual or online, the said details shall include the phone number or such other requirement that would enable the Secretariat to connect the said proxy to the meeting.

iv. Meetings of the National Congress shall be at the instance of the President General or at the request of two–thirds of the membership of the NEC to the General Secretary (through a verifiable medium) prior to the meeting. The notice of the meeting of the National Congress shall be sent to and reach the branches or affiliates at least forty (40) days before the date of the meeting if the meeting is to be physical. If the meeting is virtual or online, the notice shall be sent not later than fourteen (14) days to the meeting. The notice of meeting of the National Congress shall contain the date, time, agenda and venue (if physical).

v. The meeting of the National Congress shall be presided over by the President General, and in his absence, the next available Deputy President General in hierarchy. The General Secretary shall be the clerk of the National Congress and in his absence; the Assistant General Secretary shall act as the clerk.

vi. The quorum of the National Congress shall be two–thirds (2/3) of the total sum of delegates invited to the meeting provided that branches, affiliates and wings in default of their annual dues to the National Secretariat of the Union shall not be considered in determining the quorum. No branches or delegates qualified to attend the National Congress shall be denied invitation.

vii. The President General may summon an emergency National Congress of the Union where the need arises. Two–thirds of the total membership of the NEC of the Union may also request the General Secretary (through a verifiable medium of communication) to summon an emergency National Congress of the Union. The quorum for an emergency National Congress meeting shall be one–half (%) of the total sum of delegates invited to the meeting provided that branches, affiliates and wings in default of their annual dues to the National Secretariat of the Union shall not be considered in determining the quorum. The notice of the meeting of the National Congress shall be sent to and reach the branches, affiliates, and wings (14) days before the date of the meeting if the meeting is to be physical. If the meeting is virtual or online, the notice shall be sent not later than seven (7) days to the meeting. The notice of meeting of the National Congress shall contain the date, time and agenda. No matter not contained in the agenda in the notice of an emergency National Congress shall be decided upon in that meeting.

viii. The National Congress shall meet at least three times in a year aside emergency meetings.

Article 15: The National Executive Council (NEC)

i. The National Executive Council shall be the executive arm of the administration of the Union.

ii. The Executive Council shall comprise of the officers elected at the General Assembly of the Union convened for that purpose as well as officers determined by the filling of a vacancy by the National Congress.

iii. The Executive Council shall have representation from only the registered branches of the Union except for the ex–officio members provided for by this constitution.

iv. The NEC has a dutyto ensure that all organs of the Union function effectively.

v. The NEC is empowered to initiate policies and programmes for approval by the National Congress or the General Assembly as the case may be.

vi. The NEC is empowered to determine specific officers among its members guided by the functions of their offices to implement the decisions of the NEC.

vii.The (NEC) shall meet regularly either physically or electronically. Physical meetings shall be at least twice a year while electronic meetings shall be as often as required.

viii. Regular NEC meetings shall be at the instance of the President General with a thirty (30) days notice or at the request of two–thirdsof its membership, who shall notifythe General Secretary (through a verifiable medium) at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting if the meeting is physical. If the meeting is electronic or virtual, the notices in this paragraph shall be fourteen (14) days.

ix. Emergency meetings may be summoned by the President. General having regards to all the circumstances of the moment to consider and take decisions on specified subject matters. The notice for emergency NEC meetings shall be fourteen (14) daysif the meeting is physical. If the meeting is electronic or virtual, the notices in this paragraph shall be seven (7) days or lesser depending on the exigency of the subject matter to be considered in the emergency meeting.

x. Usual businesses like budget consideration, appointments, approvals, and exercise of specific functions outlined in this constitution cannot be the subject matters for which emergency NEC meetings are summoned.

xi. The quorum for usual NEC meetings shall be two–thirds of the elected NEC members while that of emergency NEC meetings shall one–half of the elected members provided that at all times the Ex officio members shall be invited.

xii. The Venue for NEC meetings shall be determined by the President General provided one–half of the total number of members of the NEC may veto the decision for the venue.

xiii. The NEC shall have power to intervene in the administration of a branch of the Union where there is crises. The NEC, if it deems appropriate may dissolve a branch leadership with the approval of the National Congress, and set up a caretaker committee for duration of time approve by the National Congress before elections are conducted into the executive of the branch.

xiv. The decisions of for the National Executive Council shall be binding on all organs and members of the Union except where set aside or varied by the National Congress or the General Assembly of the Union.

Article 16: Officers Of The NEC And Zoning

A. Officers Of The National Executive Council

The following shall be elected as National Officers of the Union in accordance with this constitution..

i. President–General

ii. 1st Deputy President–General

iii. 2nd Deputy President–General

iv. 3rd Deputy President General

v. 4th Deputy President–General

vi. General Secretary

vii. Assistant General Secretary

viii. National Organising Secretary

ix. Assistant National Organising Secretary

x. National Treasurer

xi. National Financial Secretary

xii. National Publicity Secretary

xiii. National Legal Adviser

xiv. National Women Coordinator

xv. National Youth Coordinator

xvi. National Welfare Officer

xvii. Provost

xviii. National Traditional Orator

xix. Assistant National Traditional Orator

xx. National Auditor

xxi. Three Ex Officio NEC Members

B. Deputy Presidents General and Corresponding Regions

The offices of Deputy Presidents General shall be zoned as follows and only members of branches in those regions shall vie for them:

i. 1st Deputy President General (DPG1) – Western Region which comprises branches from the South West Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria with headquarters in Lagos.

ii. 2nd Deputy President General (DPG2)-Northern Region which comprises branches from the North West, North East and North Central Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria with headquarters in Abuja.

iii. 3rd Deputy President General (DPG3)-Bendel Region which comprises branches from Edo and Delta States of Nigeria with headquarters in Sapele.

iv. 4th Deputy President General (DPG4)– South East Region which comprises branches from the South East Geopolitical zone as well as Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria with headquarters in Portharcourt.

C. The following officers shall be appointed by the National Executive Council of the Union. The positions under paragraphs “I” and “ii” below are subject to ratification by the National Congress.

i. Director of Research who shall be charged with the responsibility of advising the Union on research into Okpe history, culture, language and such other areas of concern to the Okpe Nation and take charge of coordinating the research efforts. The Director of Research shall attend NEC meetings when invited but with no voting right.

ii. Assistant Director of Research who shall assist the Director of Research in the discharge of the outlined duties immediately above. The Assistant Director of Research shall attend NEC meetings when invited but with no voting right.

iii. Administrative Secretary who shall assist the Generally Secretary and the National Executive Council in administrative and correspondence functions. He may be employed and his terms of employment shall be fixed by the NEC.

D. Tenure of National Officers

The tenure of office of the National Executive Council shall be four (4) years. The appointees under Article 16(c) i & ii shall have their tenure run concurrently with the NEC that appointed them but their tenure may be renewed by a subsequent NEC provided that the two appointees may be removed from office by a resolution of the NEC subject to ratification by the National Congress.

E. Without prejudice to qualification under any other Article of this constitution, Executive officers at all levels of the Union shall be eligible for reelection.

Article 17: Powers And Functions Of National Officers

i. The President General

There shall be a President General whose functions shall be to:

(a) Summon and preside over the meetings of the National Executive Council the National Congress, and the General Assembly of the Union.

(b) Provide firm and effective leadership and direct the activitiesof the Union with the support of the other offices and members of the National Executive Council.

approved functions impacting on the Okpe people.

(d) Ensure he comports and carries himself in candour and dignity befitting of the status of the servant leader of the Okpe Union and the Okpe Nation.

(e) Ensure to consult with other NEC members, Board of Trustees members and experienced members of the Union and give opportunity to different shades of opinions in his leadership of the National Executive Council and the Union.

(f) Be a Signatory to the Bank accounts of the Union.

(g) Assign specific functions to any member or officer of the Union provided the functions of the various offices are considered.

(h) Give the cast vote, if any, when necessary, when there is a tie during decision making in the NEC, Congress or General Assembly.

(i) Present to the National Executive Council a comprehensive statement of the state of the Union and the Okpe Nation in general.

(j) Ensure compliance with the provisions of this Constitution and do all such other things as shall promote the growth and welfare of the Union

(k) Present a State of the Okpe Union Address to the General Assembly.

(l) Present the annual budget of the Union to the National Congress for approval.

ii. The 1st Deputy President General

(a) Shall deputise for the President General and act as head of the Union in his absence.

(b) He is head of the Lagos Regional Office which is the

headquarters of the Western Region.

(d) He shall foster cooperation and close relations between the branches of the Western Geopolitical Region of Nigeria as head of the region.

(e) Shall ensure that there is a formal team selected by the branches of the Western Region of the Union from amongst the branch executivesor such capable personalities within the region to assist him to coordinate the affairs of and foster cooperation among the branches of the Union in that region.

(f) To represent the President General or the Union in functions or occasions that the President General designates him to.

(g) Carry out such other functions in support of the President General and the National Executive Council (NEC).

iii. The 2nd Deputy President General

(a) Shall deputise for the President General in the absence of the President General and the 1” Deputy President General.

(b) He shall foster cooperation and close relations between the branches of the three geopolitical Zones of Northern Region of Nigeria as head of the region.

(d) Shall ensure that there is a formal team selected by the branches of the Northern Region of the Union from amongst the branch executives or such capable personalities within the region to assist him to coordinate the affairs of and foster cooperation among the branches of the Union in that region.

(e) To represent the President General or the Union in functions or occasions that the President General designates him to.

(f) Carry out such other functions in support of the President General and the National Executive Council (NEC).

iv. THE 3rd Deputy President General

(a) Shall deputise for the President General in the absence of the President General, the 1st Deputy President General and the 2nd Deputy President General.

(b) He is to galvanise support for the Union.

(c) He shall foster cooperation and close relations between the branches in Edo and Delta states of Nigeria as head of the region.

(d) Shall ensure that there is a formal team selected by the branches of the Union in Edo and Delta states from amongst the branch executives or such capable personalities within the region to assist him to coordinate the affairs of and foster cooperation among the branches of the Union in the Bendel Region.

(e) To represent the President General or the Union in functions or occasions that the President General designates him to.

(f) He shall be a signatory to the National bank accounts of the Union.

(g) He shall supervise the activities of the Okpe Union Youth Wing on behalf of the NEC and report to the NEC regularly concerning its progress.

(h) Carry out such other functions in support of the President General and the National Executive Council (NEC).

v. THE 4th Deputy President General

(a) Shall deputise for the President General in the absence of the President General, the 1” Deputy President General, the 2nd Deputy President Generaland the 3 Deputy President General.

(b) He is to galvanise support for the Union

(c) He shall foster cooperation and close relations between the branches of the South East geopolitical zones of Nigeria as well as the branches in Rivers and Bayelsa states as head of the Southeast Region of the Union.

(d) Shall ensure that there is a formal team selected by the branches of the Union in South East Region of Nigeria as well as in Rivers and Bayelsa states from amongst the branch executives or such capable personalities within the region to assist him to coordinate the affairs of and foster cooperation among the branches of the Union in that region.

(e) To represent the President General or the Union in functions or occasions that the President General designates him to.

(f) Carry out such other functions in support of the President General and the National Executive Council (NEC).

vi. General Secretary

The General Secretary shall be the Chief Administrative Officer of the National Executive Council (NEC) of Okpe Union. The functions and duties of the General Secretary are as follows.

(a) To supervise the administrative activities of the Union.

(b) To conduct and direct the correspondence of the Union and cause to be issued notices of meetings of the General Assembly, the National Congress, the National Executive Council and all other meetings as may be determined from time to time.

(c) To keep or cause to be kept all records of proceedings of the meetings of General Assembly, the National Congress, the National Executive Council, all financial approvals, as well as to keep other records of the Union.

(d) To render a written Annual Report of the activities of Union to the NEC.

(e) To ensure the implementation of the decisions and directives of the General Assembly, the National Congress and the National Executive Council and ensure that all units of the Union carry out their duties promptly and efficiently.

(f) To ensure in conjunction with other officers of the Union, that all properties of the Union are safely kept and sufficiently protected.

(g) The General Secretary of the Union shall be the custodian of the common seal of the Union.

(h) To consult the President General in the discharge of the duties of his office.

(i) To carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the President General, the General Assembly, the National Congress or the National Executive Council within the sphere of the office.

vii. The Assistant General Secretary

The Assistant General Secretary shall:

i. Assist the General Secretary in the performance secretarial and administrative duties.

ii. Deputise for the General Secretary in his absence provided where obtainable, he shall consult with the General Secretary for instructions and guidance

iii. Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General, the General Secretary, or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

viii. National Organising Secretary

The National Organizing Secretary shall:

(a) Be responsible for the readiness of physical meeting venues

(b) Be responsible for the logistics of the events of the Union. including the General Assembly, the National Congress, cultural events, workshops, seminars and other activities of the Union.

(c) Propagate the ideological constructs of the Okpe Union at the grassroots levels in all regions and branches across Nigeria

(d) Liaise with elected and appointed authorities including ward councilors in Okpeland for the articulation and promotion of Okpe interests in governance.

(e) Liaise with ward, village, town or community leaders in Okpe Kingdom to foster a structured approach to Okpe Union activities.

(f) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

ix. The Assistant National Organising Secretary

The Assistant National Organising Secretary shall:

(a) Assist the National Organising Secretary in the performance of his functions.

(b) Deputise for the National Organising Secretary in his absence.

(c) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General, the General Secretary, the Organising Secretary, or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

x. The National Treasurer

The National Treasurer who shall:

(a) Ensure prudent management of Union funds as advised by NEC.

(b) Keep all financial records of the Union

(c) Keep an imprest account of not more than one hundred thousand naira (N100, 000.00) or such amount determined by the National Congress and render quarterly financial reports to the NEC.

(d) Deposit all monies collected into the Union’s bank accounts within three (3) working days of collection.

(e) Prepare and submit a yearly statement of account and periodicreports of accounts to the NEC.

(f) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere. of the office.

xi. The National Financial Secretary

The National Financial Secretary shall:

(a) Collect or cause to be collected dues, levies and all payments or monies from member branches, affiliates, districts, communities, corporate bodies, contributors and other donors.

(b) Remit such dues, levies and monies to the Union’s bank accounts within five (5) working days.

(d) Prepare an Annual Financial Report and present same at the Annual General Assembly.

(e) Undertake strict supervision of budgeting, budgetary control and financial reporting as advised by NEC.

(f) Shall be a signatory to the Union’s bank accounts.

(g) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

xii. The National Publicity Secretary

The National Publicity Secretary shall:

(a) Coordinate the information and public relations of the Union.

(b) Be the chief image–maker of the Union;

(d) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

xiii. National Legal Adviser

There shall be a National Legal Adviser of the Union who shall be a lawyer of not less than 5 (five) years post–call to the Nigerian Bar and whose functions shall be to:

(a) Advise the Union on legal matters.

(b) Assist the Union in drafting documents of legal nature save for tasks that ought to be done for a professional fee which he may advise appropriately on.

(d) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

xiv. National Women Coordinator

The National Women Coordinator who must be a woman of great charisma and carriage shall:

(a) Provide a pragmatic and honest leadership to the Okpe Union Women Wing of the Union as its head;

(b) Mobilize the Okpe women for the attainment of the objectives of the Union and the Okpe Union Women Wing;

(d)Initiate and implement strategic programmes and policies approved by the NEC of the Union at endearing the Union to Okpe women nationally;

(e) Work with the NEC of the Union to ensure compliance with Article 20 of this constitution relating to the Okpe Union Women Wing.

(f) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to her from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office

xv. National Youth Coordinator

The National Youth Coordinator shall:

(a) Provide a pragmatic and honest leadership to the Okpe Union Youth Wing as its head

(b) Mobilize the Okpe youths for the attainment of the objectives of the Union and the Okpe Union Youth Wing:

(c) Initiate and implement strategic programmes and policies approved by the NEC of the Union at endearing the Union to the Okpe Youths;

(d) Work under the supervision of the National Executive Council of the Union to ensure compliance with Article 21 of this constitution relating to the Okpe Union Youth Wing.

(e) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

xvi. National Welfare Secretary

There shall be a National Welfare Secretary whose functions shall be to:

(a) Initiate programmes for the general welfare of the members of the Union;

(b) Ensure that members are properly hosted and entertained during meetings and activities of the Union;

(d) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

xvii. The National Provost

The National Provost shall:

(a) Ensurediscipline in accordance with provisions of the Constitution of the Unionand ensure orderly conduct of members in meetings and events.

(b) Ensure to support the National Organising Secretary in effecting proper sitting arrangements and standard protocols at meetings and events of the Union.

(c) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

xviii. National Traditional Orator

The National Traditional Orator who must be fluent in the speaking of the Okpe Language, shall:

(a) Be the traditional spokesman of the Okpe Union at socio- cultural events.

(b) Advise the NEC on matters involving Okpe traditional protocols and presentations.

(c) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

xix. Assistant National Traditional Orator

The Assistant National Traditional Orator who shall be fluent in the speaking of the Okpe Language shall:

(a) Assist the National Traditional Orator in his functions.

(b) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

xx. The National Auditor

There shall be a National Auditor of the Union who shall be knowledgeable in accounting standards and practice and whose functions as an internal auditor shall be to:

(a) Conduct an audit of the financial accounts of the National Executive Council and present his report thereon to the National Congress

(b) Advise the NEC on appropriate accounting system and practice that will enhance probity in the financial transactions of the Union; and

(c) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the President General or the NEC within the sphere of the office.

xxi. Three Ex Officio NEC Members

The immediate past President General of the Union shall be an Ex officio member of the NEC. The NEC shall appoint two other Ex officio members who shall be Okpe indigenes experienced and versed in certain areas or discipline that can enrich the capacity of the NEC to deliver on the vision of the Okpe Union. The appointment of the two ex officio members is subject to the ratification of the National Congress and they become full members of the NEC after their swearing in during a NEC meeting of the Union.

Article 18: Council Of Legal Advisers

a. The NEC shall constitute or cause to be constituted a five man council of Legal Advisers to be coordinated by the National Legal Adviser. The five shall be the National Legal Adviser and four others to be appointed from the four regions as outlined in this constitution provided a region shall have one of the five members of the council. The Council may have a chairman in which case the National Legal Adviser shall serve as the Council’s secretary

b. The Council of Legal Advisers shall work with the National Legal Adviser in the assessing and analysing matters of the Union that require legal opinions and actions and communicate their opinions or advice to the NEC.

c. Assist the Union generally on legal matters.

Article 19: Independence And Political Neutrality Of The NEC

In the performance of its constitutional responsibilities for the attainment of the goals, aims and objectives of the Union, the NEC shall strive at all times to maintain political or partisan neutrality and independence.

Article 20: Okpe Union Women Wing (OUWW)

A. Creation and Officers of the Okpe Union Women Wing (OUWW)

An Okpe Union Women Wing (OUWW) is hereby established. The OUWW shall be headed by the National Women Coordinator of the Union. The OUWW shall comprise a National Council and a Zonal Chapter with the following elected officers respectively:

a. National Council to consist of 6 officers:

(i) National Coordinator(who shall be the elected along with the NEC of the Union by the General Assembly of the Union)

(ii) Deputy National Coordinator

(iii) National Secretary

(iv) National Treasurer

(v) National Financial Secretary

(vi) Director of Mobilisation

(vii) Publicity Secretary

(viii) National Provost

b.Zonal Chapters to consist of 6 officers:

i) Zonal Coordinator

(ii) Deputy Zonal Coordinator

(iii) Zonal Secretary

( iv) Zonal Treasurer

(v) Zonal Financial Secretary

(vi) Director of Mobilisation

(vii) Publicity Secretary

(viii) Zonal Provost

The National Women Coordinator of the Union shall give periodic reports of the activities and programmes of the OUWW to the National Executive Council of the Union

The NEC of the Union shall have power to establish or approve the establishment of Zones for the Okpe Union Women Wing.

The NEC of the Union shall have supervisory powers over the OUWW as well powers to approve or veto its activities and programmes. The NEC shall endeavour to support the approved activities and programmes of the OUYW.

B. Purpose of the OUWW

i. To organize the women of the Okpe Nation at home and in other regions and cities across Nigeria into a united and coherent body to articulate, promote and defend Okpe interests and the interests of Okpe women as defined by the Constitution of the Okpe Union.

ii. To orientate Okpe women to assume community leadership role and leadership participation by women in engineering development and foster social change in the Okpe Nation of Delta State Nigeria.

iii. To assist the NEC of the Okpe Union in identifying areas that need the attention of the Okpe Union to enhance the quality of lives of the Okpe woman and family.

iv. To undertake any other functions and responsibilities delegated or approved by the NEC.

C. Goals and Target Action Areas of the OUWW

i. To design and foster social development strategies beneficial to Okpe women in Okpe Kingdom.

ii. To liaise with community leaders across Okpe Kingdom on development strategies for women employment and employability and empowerment.

iii. To liaise with employers of labour to ensure the empowerment of women, especially in the Okpe Kingdom.

iv. To organise seminars and workshops on aimed at proffering solutions to issues and problems peculiar to women and especially women in Okpeland.

v. To organise or cause to be organised training workshops for skill acquisition and business training for Okpe women.

vi. To organize tutorials on Okpe Language and History for Okpe women to enable them contribute better in passing on the Okpe language to Okpe children in the Okpe Kingdom and other regions.

D. Regulations of the OUWW

The National Executive Council of the Union is empowered to approve a body of bye laws for the regulation of the activities of the Okpe Union Youth Wing provided that no aspect of the said bye laws shall be inconsistent with the bye laws or constitution of the Okpe Union.

E. Eligibility for Membership of the Okpe Union Women Wing

i. All Okpe women born of a paternal Okpe and/or maternal Okpe as well as women married to Okpe husbands and still in the marriage are eligible to join and participate in the affairs of the OUWW, upon submission of a duly completed Membership Form.

ii. The zones of the Women Wing of the Okpe Union do not constitute branches of the Union. To participate in the leadership of the Women Wing, an aspirant shall be a registered member of a branch of the Union except there is no branch of the Union in the state where the zone of the Women Wing she belongs to is situated

Article 21: Okpe Union Youth Wing (OUYW)

A. Creation and Officers of the Okpe Union Youth Wing (OUYW)

An Okpe Union Youth Wing (OUYW) is hereby established. The OUYW shall be coordinated by the National Youths Coordinator under the supervision of the National Executive Council of the Union.

The OUYW shall comprise the following officers:

a.National Council shall consist of 6 (six) officers which are:

(i) National Youths Coordinator (who shall be the elected along with the NEC of the Union by the General Assembly of the Union)

( ii) Deputy National Youths Coordinator

(iii) Secretary

( iv) Treasurer

( v) Director of Mobilisation and

(vi) Publicity Secretary

b. Zonal Council shall consist of 6 (six) officers which are:

i) Zonal Coordinator

(ii) Deputy Zonal Coordinator

(iii) Secretary

( iv) Treasurer

(v) Director of Mobilisation

(vi) Publicity Secretary.

The electronic or social media platforms of the national or zonal levels of the OUYW shall incorporate the National Youths Coordinator of the Union.

The National Council of the OUYW shall give periodic reports of the activities and programmes of the OUYW to the National Executive Council of the Union.

The NEC of the Union shall have power to establish or approve the establishment of Zones for the Okpe Union Youth Wing.

The NEC shall endeavour to support the approved activities and programs of the

B. Purpose of the OUYW

i. To organize Okpe youths of the Okpe Nation at home and in other regions and cities across Nigeria into a united and coherent body to articulate, promote and defend Okpe interests as defined by the Constitution of the Okpe Union.

ii. To train Okpe youth to assume community leadership role in engineering development and foster social change in the Okpe Nation of Delta State Nigeria.

iii. To assist the NEC of the Okpe Union in identifying areas that. need the urgent attention of the Okpe Union concerning Okpe youths.

C. Goals and Objectives of the OUYW

i. To design and foster social development strategies beneficial to

Okpe youths in Okpe Kingdom.

ii. To liaise with community leaders across Okpe Kingdom on development strategies for youth employment and employability.

iii. To liaise with employers of labour to ensure the employment of qualified Okpe youths, especially in the Okpe Kingdom.

iv. To organise seminars and workshops on leadership and career development for Okpe youths.

v. To organise or cause to be organised training workshops for skill acquisition for Okpe youths.

vi. To organize tutorials on Okpe Language and History for Okpe youths, in the Okpe Kingdom and other regions.

vii. To undertake any other functions and responsibilities delegated or approved by the NEC of the Okpe Union.

D. Eligibility for Membership of the OUYW

i. All Okpe youths aged between 18 and 40 years old are eligible to join and participate in the affairs of the OUYW, upon submission of a duly completed Membership Form.

ii. The zones of the Youth Wing of the Okpe Union do not constitute branches of the Union. Youths twenty five years and above shall join a branch of the Union to continue being eligible to participate in the Youth Wing except there is no branch of the Union in the state where the zone of the Youth Wing he belongs to is situated.

iii: The NEC may propose to the General Assembly the varying of the age of eligibility for membership of the OUYW stated in paragraph i above and its resolution shall be accepted.

E. Regulations of the OUYW

Article 22: Cooperation Of Branches Within A Region Or Geopolitical Zone

(a) Branches of the Union that are within a region or geopolitical zone in Nigeria are enjoined to cooperate and seek ways to communicate and collaborate to ensure the welfare of the members of those branches collectively.

(b) To enhance the realisation of the objective stated in paragraph “(a)” above, branches in the respective Regions or Zones shall endeavor to cooperate with the coordinating Deputy President General of that Region to create a leadership team from the executives of branches from the respective regions to act in conjunction with him to foster the welfare of the membersof the branches in that region and for the purpose of handling the peculiar problems facing members of the Union in that region or zone.

(c) Without prejudice to the duties of the executive committees of the branches of the Union, the Regional Leadership Team described in paragraph “(b)” above shall mobilize branch support for the activities of the National Executive Council and the Union generally.

(d) The Leadership Team of respective regions are to promote joint meetings between branches of the region occasionally to foster cooperation, synergy and as well promote the unity and solidarity of the Okpe Union and Okpe people generally.

(e) For the sake of clarity, the Regional delineation of the branches of the Union, with the corresponding areas in Nigeria categorized under them as well as their corresponding regions and Deputy Presidents General, are as follows:

i. The South West Region- comprises branches, OUYW Zones, and OUWW Zones from the states of the South West Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria, and coordinated by the 1” Deputy President General (DPG1) with headquarters in Lagos.

ii. Northern Region- comprises branches, OUYW Zones, and OUWW Zones from the states of North West, North East and North Central Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria, and coordinated by the 2nd Deputy President General (DPG2) with headquarters in Abuja.

iii. The Bendel (Home) Region- comprises branches, OUYW Zones, and OUWW Zones from Edo and Delta States of Nigeria, and coordinated by the 3” Deputy President General (DPG3) with headquarters in Sapele.

iv. South East Region– comprisesbranches, OUYW Zones, and OUWW Zones from the states of the South East Geopolitical zone as well as Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria, and coordinated by the 4” Deputy President General (DPG4) with headquarters in Portharcourt.

Article 23: Branch Executives And Their Functions

A. The Executive leadership of each branch of the Union shall comprise the following officers as the strength of their membership permits:

(a) Chairman

(b) Vice Chairman

(d) Assistant Secretary

(e) Treasurer

(f) Financial Secretary

(g) Traditional Orator

(h) Welfare Officer

(i) Women Coordinator

(j) Provost

(k) Organizing Secretary

(l) Ex officio

B. The NEC of the Union is empowered toapprove a body of bye laws for the regulation of the activities of a branch of the Union where the branch so desires to regulate the activities of the branch provided that no aspect of the said bye laws shall be inconsistent with the national bye laws or constitution of the Union.

C. The organs of a branch of the Union are the General House comprising all registered members of the Union of that branch, and the Branch Executive which is responsible for the administration of the branch. The General House of the branch is responsible for electing the Branch Executive, approves or vetoes the decisions of the executive and all decisions the branch General House reaches about the branch, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of the national bye laws or constitution of the Union, override the positions of the Branch Executive.

D. Branches of the Union shall ensure that there are some branch executive members thatare amenable to and have capacity to access electronic and information technology as to regularly be able to participate in virtual or online meetings and information reception and dissemination.

Article 24: Registration Of New Branches And Derecognition Of A Branch

i. The Union shall have the right to establish branches or approve the establishment of branches within and outside Nigeria. All such branches shall be duly registered with the National headquarters of the Union through application by the representatives of at least ten (10) Okpe persons.

ii. An intending branch shall apply to the National headquarters of the Union for registration provided such branch has at least 10 (ten) members. The branch shall pay an application fee of the sum of N5, 00 (five thousand naira) to the National Secretariat. If satisfied of the merit of the application, the NEC shall send to the applicant branch a provisional registration approval. The provisional approval entitles the new branch to invitation for all activities of the Union for one year but without voting rights in National Congress and the General Assembly of the Union.

iii. At the expiration of one year after the provisional registration approval of a new branch, if the NEC is satisfied that the branch is viable with a resolution of approval, the General Secretary shall include the final approval of that branch in the agenda of the next National Congress meeting of the Union. If a resolution of the final approval passes at the National Congress, the General Secretary shall send to the branch a Letter of Final Approval of Registration after which the branch becomes entitled to the rights and privileges that branches are entitled to under this constitution.

iv. New branches shall ensure that they reach out to the Deputy President General who heads the leadership team of that region to ensure synergy and cooperation with the other branches of the region.

v. Derecognition of a Branch

A. A branch of the Union may be derecognized by the National Executive Council of the Union under the following circumstances.

Where the executive and members of the branch of the Union have or appear to have used the name of the Union for illegal or immoral purpose(s).
Where the executive and members of the branch have by their actions or omissions grossly breached provision(s) of the Okpe Union Constitution or bye laws and have been informed through a letter from the NEC but have failed to retrace their steps or make amends after three months of the receipt of the said letter.
Where a branch is in default in payment of branch annual dues to the National Secretariat for three (3) consecutive years without communication of any reasons for the default to the National Secretariat.

B. To derecognise an erring branch under any of the circumstances outlined under “a” above, it shall be passed by a simple majority of the NEC of the Union and a two–thirds majority of the delegates present in a meeting of the National Congress of the Union. A dissatisfied branch may appeal to the BOT of the Union which may present the matter to the General Assembly which. may reinstate the branch by a resolution to that effect.

Article 25: Affiliation Application From Okpe Organisations

a. Organizations, movements, bodies or other associations whose members and those qualified to join them are all Okpe people from Delta State Nigeria, may apply to the NEC of the Union to be affiliated to the Okpe Union for the purpose of collaborating with the Union to achieve its vision.

b. Applications for affiliation shall be addressed to the President General who shall present or cause it to be presented for consideration to the NEC of the Union.

c. Where the NEC is satisfied that the applicant body is worthy of affiliation, it shall pass a resolution to that effect and communicate the applicant body of its provisional affiliation. After a period not exceeding six (6) months depending on the first National Congress meeting after the expiration of the six months, the applicant affiliate body shall be presented to the National Congress for final affiliation resolution. Where the affiliation resolution passes at the National Congress, the General Secretary shall write officially to the applicant body communicating to their full affiliation..

d. Where it turns out in the opinion of the NEC through a two–thirds resolution by all its members, that an affiliate body is no longer worthy of being one, the NEC shall communicate the National Congress of the Union which shall debate the matter. If the National Congress passes a de–affiliation resolution, then the affiliate ceases to be an affiliate of the Union. A dissatisfied affiliate may appeal to the BOT of the Union which may present the matter to the General Assembly which may reinstate the affiliate body by a resolution to that effect.

Article 26: Physical And Electronic Or Virtual Meetings

a. The meetings of the Union may be held physically or through electronic means. By electronic means is meant meetings held virtually or online with social electronic mediums like Zoom, Whatsapp, Telegram, and such other convenient applications. The NEC or branch leadership as the case may be shall ensure that whatever electronic or virtual means employed for nonphysical meetings shall be such that an absolute majority of those entitled to attend are able to access.

b. The meetings of the General Assembly are to be physical save for instances where the National Congress resolves that a NEC election shall be by electronic or online voting.

c. The meetings of the National Congress, the National Executive Council or branches may either be physical or virtual provided that the notices of the respective meetings comply with the provisions of the articles in this constitution that provide for the meetings.

Article 27: Electronic Or Online Transmissions Of Notices And Other Correspondence

Wherever and whenever an official, institution, organ, branch, wing or affiliate of the Union is required by this constitution or other practice in the Union, to send, transfer, or otherwise communicate to one another in the Union, such communication, notice or other correspondence shall be deemed to be valid if it is by physical delivery or postage, as well as through electronic means like email, whatsapp, Telegram or other reliable online or virtual means. provided that the sender shall ensure that the recipient gets the delivery of the correspondence.

Article 28: Assets Of The Okpe Union

(a) All assets of the Union whether movable or immovable shall be under the care, control and management of that regionor branch where such assets are located. The regions and branches as applicable shall act in trust for the Union.

(b) Provided that, for the Lagos Okpe Union House in Obalende, Lagos, the earnings therefrom shall be distributed in the ratio of 50/50 percent after maintenance expenses for the Western Region Branches jointly and the National Executive Council respectively. In the case of landed properties developed by branches, the ratio shall be 80/20 percent for the branch and the National Executive Council respectively. For properties developed by the National Executive Council, the proceeds shall apply to the administration of the Okpe Union generally in accordance with the decisions of the National Executive Council. Any branch or region of the Union having any Union Assets in its domain shall exhibit utmost care in the management and protection of such assets including routine maintenance, renovations, payment of relevant government dues and charges, etc.

(c) No disposal, sale or mortgage of any Union assets shall be done without the concurrent approval of the Okpe Union BOT, the Regional or Branch leadership of the region or branch where the asset is located and the NEC of the Union.

Article 29: Standing Committees

i. The following Standing Committees shall be established when deemed necessary by the Union:

a. Socio–Economic Development Committee

b. Okpe Union Education Committee

c. Health Development Committee

d. Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee

e. Research Committee.

f. Okpe Language Development and Preservation Committee.

g. Okpe Cultural Arts Development and Propagation Committee.

ii. The NEC of the Union shall have the power to propose the setting up of any standing committees for the attainment of the vision of the Okpe Union as well as such other visions of the NEC for the betterment of the Okpe Nation.

iii. The National Congress of the Union shall have the powers to ratify or refuse to ratify the appointment of the members of the standing committees from amongst the members of the Union or other Okpe nationals who are committed to the ideals and visions of the Union.

iv. The NEC shall appoint the chairmen and secretaries of the standing committees

v. The chairs and secretaries of the respective committees shall provide progress reports to the National Executive Council

Article 30: Elections Of National Officers

a. Not later than ninety (90) days to expiration of a National Executive Council, the President General shall summon through the General Secretary, a meeting of the National Congress to appoint a five man Electoral Committee with the mandate to organise National Executive Council elections before the expiration of the tenure of the outgoing national executive. This meeting of the National Congress shall also fix the date for a General Assembly for the elections and other businesses where necessary.

b. Where the National Congress meeting outlined above is NOT called before eighty days to the date of the expiration of the tenure of an outgoing executive, the chairmen of at least five branches that are not in default in the payment of their annual dues to the National Secretariat for the immediate past two years, may request the General Secretary in writing, to fixes a date, and send notice of the National Congress to meet on the said date to perform the task of setting up the Electoral Committee as outlined in paragraph b of this Article above. The General Secretary shall comply with the said request.

c. Where the National Congress is NOT called as outlined in paragraph a & b of this Article 25, at least sixty days to the expiration of the tenure of the National Executive Council, the General Secretary, or the Assistant General Secretary where he fails, shall fix a date and issue notices for the meeting of the National Congress which shall meet to carry out the function of setting up the Electoral Committee as provided for in paragraph “a” of this Article.

d. Where there is more than one candidate for a position in the election, the candidate who polls a majority of the valid vote cast shall be declared elected.

e. Where there is only one candidate for a position, the electoral committee shall request for a motion which must be seconded, to adopt the candidate as elected. Where there is a counter motion against the adoption, the electoral committee shall organise a YES or NO vote for the candidate. Where the YES votes are more, the candidate is elected. Where the NO votes are more, the office remains vacant until a bye election.

f. The Electoral Committee under this Article stands dissolved after the election.

Article 31: Eligibity and Qualifications Of Candidates For NEC Elections

To be eligible for election into any office of the NEC of the Union, the contestant must:

a. Be duly registered as a member of a branch of the Okpe Union

b. be an up–to–date financial member;

c. have been active in the current or previous branch of OkpeUnion

d. be knowledgeable enough for the position.

e. be healthy.

f. be amenable to and have capacity to access electronic and information technology as to regularly be able to participate in virtual or online meetings and information dissemination.

g. educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.

h. Shall be at least twenty five (25) years old save for President General and Deputy Presidents General contestants who shall be at least thirty five (35)years old, while a contestant for General Secretary shall be at least thirty years (30) old.

i. They must be financial members of not less than one (1) year standing except for new members and for members of new or resuscitated branches which shall be no less than six (6) months.

Article 32: Gender Considerations In Choosing Officers Of The Union

In choosing leaders or officers of the Union, where obtainable, branches and different levels of the Union shall ensure that positions are not occupied by mainly one gender.

Article 33: Prohibition Of Double Offices

There shall be no holding of double elective offices in the Union. Where a member who already holds one office at any level is elected for another, he shall resign that other office within three months of the election provided that this rule shall not affect offices of the Okpe Union Youth Wing, Okpe Union Women Wing, Ex officio, Regional leadership Team, appointed offices and committee membership.

Article 34: Finance And Bank Accounts

a. The fiscal year of the Union shall commence on January 1st and terminate on December 31” of a year.

b. All members of Union shall pay monthly/annual dues which shall be determined by individual branches of the Union from time to time provided that the NEC may intervene where there are complaints that the membership dues of a particular branch is prohibitive.

c. Each branch of the Union shall pay the sum of N10,000.00 (ten thousand naira)as annual dues which shall be remitted to the National Secretariat by on or before the 31” of March every year.

d. Each affiliate body or association of the Union shall pay the sum N10,000.00 (five thousand naira) as annual dues to the National Secretariat of the Union.

e. Each zone of the Okpe Union Youth Wing shall pay the sum of N2,000.00 (two thousand naira) as annual dues to the National Secretariat of the Union..

f. Each zone of the Okpe Union Women Wing shall pay the sum of N5,000.00 (five thousand naira) as annual dues to the National Secretariat of the Union.

g. Where payment of a sum of money is provided for in this constitution as in above, the General Assembly may review it by a resolution at any time and the reviewed amount or sum shall be binding as if provided for in this constitution.

h. Sources of Funding for the Union.

The Okpe Union shall raise funds through the following means:

Registration fees and annual dues
Grants and donations
Commissions
Levies and fines
Claims
Rents and royalties, etc.

j. The Union shall maintain a bank account at the city or town where its headquarters is situated and where banking facilities are not available, the services of the bank nearest to the city or town shall be utilised.

k. The NEC or Execute Committee of the Union at any level shall decide the banks to be used in keeping respective accounts.

l. Authorised Signatories of the Union’s Financial Transactions

The authorized signatories to the account of the Union and other financial transactions held by the National Executive Council shall be:

Category A: President General and 3” Deputy President General AND

Category B: National Treasurer and National Financial Secretary.

Provided that withdrawals from or debit instructions on the accounts shall be valid only if authorized by one signatory each from each category.

Article 35: Audit Committee

a. At end of every financial year of the Union, the National Congress shall appoint a three man Audit Committee.

b. The Audit Committee shall carry out audit functions on the finance of the Union at all levels for the out gone financial year.

c. The Audit Committee shall complete its assignment within three (3) months.

d. The Report of the Audit Committee shall be submitted to the NEC who shall submit it to the National Congress for consideration and approval provided members of the Audit Committee shall be given opportunity to authenticate if the report submitted by the NEC is the report submitted by the committee.

e. The Audit Committee stands dissolved upon the submission and approval of its report by the National Congress.

Article 36: Discipline Of Erring Nec And Branch Executives And Members

a. Acts that constitute gross misconductor which a NEC member or branch executive may be disciplined include the following:

i. Criminal conviction by a competent court of Law.

ii. Misappropriation of funds or embezzlement

iii. Gross violation of the Constitution

iv. Acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the Union

v. Falsification of Certificates for the purpose of the Union elections

b. The other conditions or dispositions which may require discipline or some other response of the Union include:

i. Incompetence

ii. Negligence in duty

iii. Dereliction of duty

c. In response to the general incompetence and negligence of duty by the generality of the members of a National Executive Council, a General Assembly of the Union attended by at least two–thirds of delegates expected to be in attendance, a Vote of No Confidence may be passed on the entire NEC by a two–thirds majority resolution. Such a vote of no confidence motion may be in the form of a warning or dissolution. The specific one must be indicated in the vote of no confidence motion. If it is a warning resolution, the NEC remains in office. If it is a dissolution resolution, the NEC shall step down.

d. Where the allegation in “a” above of this article relates to a specific member or members of the NEC, the consequence may be an impeachment resolution. The BOT may intervene to resolve the matter before an impeachment resolution is passed by the General Assembly.

e. Where the allegation in “b” above of this Article relates to a specific member or members of the NEC, the consequence may be a warning and demand for a change of attitude at first instance, or a removal resolution by the General Assembly. The BOT may intervene to resolve the matter before an impeachment resolution is passed by the General Assembly.

f. At the branch level of the Union, members in general meeting have power to discipline an erring member by warning. suspension for not more than three (3) months or recommendation for expulsion of that member to the NEC which may present same to the General Assembly. The NEC has pqwers to defer the suspension of a member until the BOT intervenes on the matter.

g. Any aggrieved member of the Union may petition against any branch leadership, National officer or committee member(s) of the Union under any of the headings in “a” and “b” above of this Article to the NEC which shall investigate and consider the petition and if with merit forward same to the General Assembly.

h. The petitions in the above paragraphs are to be sent to the NEC through the General Secretary but copies may be forwarded to the President General. Where the matter involves a NEC member, the petition may be presented through any delegate or accredited observer at the General Assembly as the case may be.

i. Where a member or officer petitioned against feels he is not getting sufficient fair hearing in the matter, or is NOT satisfied with process or outcome of the disciplinary process, he may appeal to the BOT for intervention. The intervention of the BOT shall have the effect of suspending the disciplinary process for a period not more than six months. Where the BOT mediation is accepted by the NEC or a resolution of the General Assembly, the matter is laid to rest. The investigation and disciplinary process may resume where the intervention fails.

A resolution of removal is to follow a finding by the General Assembly that the accused is incompetent or not dedicated to the duties of his office while a resolution of impeachment is to follow a finding of guilt to the allegation of gross misconduct ranging from fraud, crime or intentional gross violation of the Okpe Union Constitution.

Article 37: Relationship With Other Organisations

The Okpe Union shall seek and maintain friendly relationship with any group or organization whose interests and objectives are compatible to those of the Union.

Article 38: Amendment Of This Constitution

a. Any section of this Constitution may be amended by two- thirdsmajority votes of the total number of delegates in attendance at a General Assembly.

b. Proposed changes to the Constitution shall be submitted to the General Secretary in writing, not later than forty–five (45) days by the branch or region prior to the date of the General Assembly or the date of such meetings where the amendment will be discussed.

c. Any proposal for an amendment may also emanate from the NEC to the National Congress in which case the National Congress shall, if a resolution for that purpose passes, set up a Constitutional Review Committee which shall send its draft to the General Secretary.

d. The General Secretary shall send copies of the propose amendment) to the Constitution to all branches(who shall in turn make copies available to members of Union in their branches) not less than (21) twenty–one days prior to the General Assembly where the amendment may be passed.

Article 39: Special Clause Provision

i. The INCOME AND PROPERTY OF THE OKPE UNION- Whensoever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of the OKPE UNION as set out in this Constitution and no portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividends, bonus or otherwise however by way of profit to the members of the OKPE UNION.

ii. PROVIDED THAT nothing herein shall prevent the payment in good faith of reasonable and proper remuneration to any officer or servant of THE OKPE UNION in return for any service actually rendered to THE OKPE UNION but so that no member of the National Executive Council or Governing Body shall be appointed to any salaried office of the Union or any office of the Union paid by any fees and that no remuneration or other benefit in money shall be given by the OKPE UNION to any member of such Council or Governing Body except repayment of out–of- pocket expenses or reasonable or proper rent for premises demised or let to the OKPE UNION provided that the provision last aforesaid shall not apply to any payment of any company to a member of the Union may be a company in which such member shall not be bound to account for any share of profits he may receive in respect of any such payment.

iii. NO ADDITION, alteration or amendment shall be made to or in the RULES AND CONSTITUTION for the time being in force unless same have been previously submitted to and approved by the Registrar–General.

iv. If in the event of a winding up or dissolution of the OKPE UNION up or diss there remains after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, the same shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the OKPE UNION but shall be given or transferred to some other institution or institutions having object similar to the objects of the OKPE UNION and the body or bodies are prohibited from distributing its or their income and property amongst its or their members to an extent at least as great as is imposed on the OKPE UNION under or by virtue of the SPECIAL CLAUSE hereof such institution or institutions to be determined by the members of the OKPE UNION at or before the time of dissolution and if insofar as effect cannot be given to the aforesaid provision then to some charitable object.

Article 40: Oath Of Office

a. After elections, and irrespective of the actual date of the expiration of an outgoing National Executive Council, the General Assembly(during the session presided over by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee), shall pass a resolution determining the time for the swearing in of the newly elected officers of the Union. It may be for their immediate swearing in or some short duration after and their tenure shall immediately commence after the swearing in.

b. The oath of office shall either be oral or by signing an affirmation document which contains the oath declaration in paragraph “c” below.

c. OATHS DECLARATION

Each newly elected candidate shall orally declare or where not physically present, sign a document to be filed as follows:

I …………………(mention name) do solemnly affirm that as …………………...(mention office elected into) shall ensure that I uphold the provisions of the Okpe Union Constitution, defend it, protect the independence of the Okpe Union from external control and discharge the functions of the office I have been elected into to the best of my ability. So help me God. Amen!

(signature of declarant and date).

d. Those elected but not physically present may sign the above declaration and send to the National Secretariat upon which they assume office.

e. Appointees of the Union who are required to be sworn in shall undertake the above oral declaration or filling and filing of the oaths document in paragraph “b” above.

Article 41: Interpretation

a. The NEC shall have the authority to interpret this Constitution by a two–thirds majority in meeting and lay down procedures on all matter(s) not covered by this Constitution with the advice of the Council of Legal Advisers where there is controversy.

b. Where the pronouns or expressions as “he“, “his“, “him“, “himself” “man“, or such other expressions which denote only male gender are used in this constitution, it refers to the male or female who occupies that office or who is in position to embark upon that function or act as the case may be except the circumstances show otherwise.

Article 42: Saving And Transition

The provisions of this constitution shall be in force as from the 15th of May, 2021 except for the provisions of Article 28 which shall be in force from the 1st of January, 2022.