From Maurice Okafor,Enugu.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, issued certificate of return to Enugu State Governor-elect, Dr Peter Mbah, the Deputy Governor-elect, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai and 23 out of the 24 house of assembly members elect, whom their elections were duly completed.
The outstanding, Oji River State Constituency, was declared inconclusive and would be concluded on Saturday, April 15.
The issuance of the certificates was performed by the INEC National Commissioner in-charge of Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, Chief Ken Ukeagu.
The INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, in his address of welcome, said that the issuance of the certificates of return was part of the electoral process guaranteed by the law.
Chukwu said that the issuance of a certificate of return is an aspect of the electoral process guaranteed by law and must be done within 14 days of the conclusion of an election.
The REC urged the winners to be magnanimous in victory and carry all along; while providing dividends of good governance as promised in their electioneering period.
“INEC is most grateful to the residents and people of Enugu State for their peaceful disposition and comportment during the election period as well as their participation in the process.
“I want to thank INEC headquarters for helping to resolve the logjam in the Nkanu East and Nsukka Local Government Areas poll decisively.
“I must thank the security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security for their wonderful work and ensuring security during and after the elections in the state,” he added.
In his temarks,the Enugu state governor elect,Dr Peter Mbah,has said that his administration will run an all inclusive and open door administration,in his zeal to offer the best to the people.
He stated,”Elections are over and it is time to come together and start the building of a prosperous Enugu State.
I am appealing to all involved in the election to come together and build a prosperous Enugu State since the state is greater than any of us”.
“History will never forgive us if, at a time like this, when we should be pursuing the interest and development of our dear Enugu State, we are still enmeshed in the pursuit of political gains and cleavages.
“This is why I extend my hands of fellowship to all my brothers with whom I ran the race for the hearts of the Enugu electorate.
“While we have different political platforms to achieve the Enugu dream, we are united by our passion for the growth of our state,”Dr Mbah stated.
