The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Certificate of Return

  • LASIEC presents certificate of return to councillor-elect

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) yesterday presented a certificate of return to the winner of the last Saturday Councillorship by-election in Ward A (Obele/Oniwala), Surulere Local Government Area.

    Kazeem Bello, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 793 votes to defeat his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent, Abdulateef Bolaji Sanni, who got 195 votes.

    LASIEC Chairman Justice Ayotunde Phillips (retd) congratulated Bello and his party, on their victory.

    She urged him to see his election as an opportunity to serve the people and champion their cause, stressing that the councillor-elect must “be seen to be a servant of all regardless of political affiliations or differences.”

    Represented by an Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Ayedun, the LASIEC chief noted that the commission demonstrated its commitment by providing “ a level playing field for the two political parties and their candidates in the election and ensured that people’s votes really counted.”

    She promised that the commission would continue to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

    Justice Phillips, however, expressed disappointment over voter apathy during the election, adding that it was inexplicable that less than ten per cent of registered voters in the area cast their votes during the exercise.

    The Nation learnt that there are 11,095 registered voters in the ward.

    While pointing out that this was a challenge which the commission was ready to tackle by stepping up its Continuous Civic and Voter Education programmes, Justice Phillips said the commission expected key stakeholders, including leaders of political parties, elected office holders and appointees to conduct themselves in manners that would inspire confidence in the citizenry and motivate them towards more active participation in the electoral process.

    Bello hailed the commission for ensuring that the election was free, fair and credible.

     

  • Court orders INEC to withdraw Buhari’s ex-aide Certificate–of- Return

    A Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Thursday disqualified AbdulRahman Kawu Sumaila as the elected representative of Sumaila/Takai federal constituency of Kano at the National Assembly.

     Shamsudeen Dambazau of the APC had sued INEC, APC and AbdulRahman Kawu  Sumaila challenging the recognition of AbdulRahman Kawu  Sumaila  as the APC House of Representatives candidate for Sumaila/Takai federal constituency.

    The presiding judge, Justice Lewis Allagoa ordered INEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued Sumaila, ruling he was not the duly elected as a member of the House of Representatives member for Sumaila/Takai federal constituency.

    The court declared he did not participate in the primary election.

    The plaintiff in the suit, Shamsudeen Dambazau had approached the court, praying the nullification of Sumaila’s recognition by INEC as duly elected as he never participated in the primary election of the party.

    He told the court through his Counsel, Barrister Nuraini Jimoh that AbdulRahman Kawu  Sumaila contested for Kano South Senatorial seat  at primary with Kabiru Gaya and lost the race.

    Read also: Atiku and the tale of the INEC server

    Justice Lewis Allagoa also ordered INEC to recognise Shamsudeen Dambazau as the duly elected House of Representative member representing for Sumaila/Takai federal constituency.

    Sumaila, who was represented by his Counsel, Barrister Muhammad Auwal Tofa declined to comment with journalists.

    However, Kawu popularly called Kawu Sumaila was the SSA to President Buhari on National Assembly House of Representatives Matters from 27 August 2015.

    He later resigned few months to 2019 general elections to contest for the contested federal constituency slot.

  • Wike, others get Certificates of Return

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has gotten his Certificate of Return.

    Wike won the March 9 governorship elections after polling 886,264 votes to defeat African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Biokpomabo Awara, who scored 173,859 votes.

    The certificate presentation ceremony was held at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Port Harcourt.

    The Deputy Governor-elect, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, and the 32 lawmakers-elect of the House of Assembly were also issued their Certificates of Return.

    The certificate was presented by the National Commissioner in charge of Rivers, Bayelsa and Edo States, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.

    After receiving his certificate, Wike chided the Army for what he described as its “negative” influence in the elections. He dedicated his victory/certificate to God, the people for their votes and support and to those who died.

    He said: “I dedicate this victory to the people of Rivers State and those killed in defence of votes and democracy. But for their sacrifice, we would not be here.

    “The duty of the Army is not to take over INEC office and carry out collation. We saw the Army take over INEC functions and that of the police. Go to Bori Camp, you will see INEC materials. Should it be there? But for God, we wouldn’t have been here. All powers came, but God intervened and that’s why we are here.”

    The governor urged his opponents to take advantage of his olive branch, saying it was extended in the interest of the state.

    The Army insists that its men were professional, taking no sides.

    INEC National Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was represented by Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, thanked the people for their contributions to the successful conduct of the elections. He said steps must be taken to change the narrative of elections in the state.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Obo Effanga said despite pressures and attacks, INEC conducted credible elections in line with extant laws.

    Thousands of people gathered at the Polo Field in Port Harcourt to celebrate the presentation of certificates.

    They kept vigil on Aba Road and proceeded to the Polo Club after the presentation. They sang songs of praises to God for the victory of the PDP.

    Wike, Harry-Banigo, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, described the celebration as historic because it captures the aspirations of the people.

    Secondus described the election as the longest in the history of the country, spanning March 9 to April 3.

    According to him, all Rivers leaders are standing with Wike because he is working for the people and promoting Rivers’ interest.

    He said: “This governor hears directly from God. If you don’t have the fear of God, you cannot forgive others. He has opened his doors for everyone. Our advice is for our brothers to take the opportunity so that we can consolidate on his achievements.”

  • Judge withdraws from Okorocha’s certificate of return suit against INEC

    A judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Taiwo Taiwo has withdrawn from a suit filed by Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha with which he sought to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue him with a certificate of return.

    INEC has failed to issue Okorocha a certificate of return weeks after declaring him winner of Imo West Senatorial District with the returning officer claiming to have acted under duress.

    The decision by Justice Taiwo to withdraw from the case was informed by allegation of bias raised against him by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the February 23 National Assembly election – Jones Onyeriri and Senator Osita Izunaso.

    Onyeriri wrote petition to the court’s Chief Judge, querying the judge’s neutrality while Izunaso filed a motion, asking the judge to disqualify himself from further hearing the case on grounds of likelihood of being bias.

    Justice Taiwo, while announcing his withdrawal on Wednesday, said he would return the case file to the court’s Chief Judge for re-assignment to a new judge.

    Onyeriri , in his petition, accused the judge of making utterances in which he “clearly prejudged the substantive issues that will be resolved in this matter and clearly showed he has taken sides with the plaintiff (Okorocha).”

    In an affidavit deposed to by a lawyer, Chijioke Nzekwe, on his behalf, Onyeriri claimed the judge told INEC’s lawyer, Wendy Kuku that the electoral body was responsible for the problems associated with the election.

    He added: “’The honourable judge went further to say that he has read through the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and found nothing therein that robs him of the jurisdiction to hear his suit.’

    Read Also: Igbo women chide INEC over Okorocha

    “This pronouncement shocked all the counsel who were present in court and even members of the public and press men, who were in the gallery because 2nd and 3rd defendant (INEC and Onyeriri) have notices of preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear this matter.”

    Izunaso, in his motion on notice dated April 8, 2019, asked for an order transferring the suit to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for re-assignment to any other judge of the court.

    In the motion, filed by his lawyer, Prince Orji Nwafor- Orizu, Isunso urged the judge to desist from further hearing the suit, on the grounds that “there is likelihood of bias on the part of this honourable court to continue to hear the suit as the honourable presiding Judge has expressed an opinion favourable to the plaintiff even without the hearing of the substantive suit.

    “The said utterances were made on April 5, 2019 which utterances clearly pre-judged the substantive issues that will be resolved in this matter and clearly showed that the Honourable presiding judge has taken sides with the plaintiff.”

  • I’ll not betray Lagosians, says Sanwo-Olu 

    Lagos State Governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday promised not to betray Lagosians when he assumes office on May 29.

    He pledged to run an all-inclusive government and fulfil other campaign promises he made to the people.

    The governor-elect spoke at the state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from Resident Electoral Commissioner Sam Olumekun.

    Describing himself as a winner of a free, fair and credible election, Sanwo-Olu said the electoral commission deserved applause for conducting a peaceful exercise.

    He also extended a hand of fellowship to the 40 opposition candidates who competed with him, stressing that their input are required in tackling the myriad of challenges in education, health, transportation and the environment.

    “A victory for one is a victory for all. It is a victory for all Lagosisns. No victor, no vanquished. We will all make life better for Lagosians,” he said.

    Read also: PHOTOS: INEC issues certificates of return to Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat

    Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by his wife, Dr Ibijoke; his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and wife, Oluremi; Lagos State APC Chairman Tunde Balogun; party secretary Dr. Wale Ahmed; Governorship Advisory Council (GAC) deputy leader Prince Oluyole Olusi; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Chief Demola Seriki.

    Also at the ceremony were Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Pa Sunny Ajose; Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Hakeem Bamgbala; Joe Igbokwe; Abiodun Salami; Bayo Ajisebutu; Ayodele Adewale; Fausat Gbadebo; Emmanuel Bamgboye and Imam Shakiru Gafar Mofesayo of Lagos Central Mosque.

    Thanking the stakeholders, Sanwo-Olu commended INEC and other apparatus of government involved in the election, saying that the reward for hard work was more work.

    He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for showing leadership example.

    The governor-elect also applauded the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Lagos APC GAC leaders, and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he noted, was in birthday celebration mood.

    He prayed that all the critical stakeholders would be present at his inauguration on May 29.

    However, in an emotion-laden voice, Sanwo-Olu said the inauguration date would coincide with the post-humus birthday of his mother who had passed on a few years ago.

    Reiterating his commitment to an all-inclusive administration, the governor-elect said his doors were already open to stakeholders, including the opposition, to make their contributions to governance.

    He promised to re-enact the true greatness of Lagos which the stakeholders stand for.

    Sanwo-Olu added: “We will not betray public confidence. Better times are coming. Lagosians deserve the best. We must get it right in Lagos. If we get it right in Lagos, we will get it right in Nigeria.

    “We are ready. We are committed. We will do the job that Lagosians have given to us.”

    Imam Gafar, who paired with a Christian priest to pray for Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, urged them to work for public good.

    The cleric, who also advised them to beware of sycophants who peddle falsehood, wished the governor-elect a successful tenure.

    Also, he charged Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Mrs Oluremi Hamzat to be prepared for the challenges of adjustment to new life and cooperate with their husbands.

    The REC reflected on the election, saying that it was adjudged credible, smooth, peaceful, free and fair by the international community.

    Hailing Sanwo-Olu for his victory, Olumekun said: “Lagosians have spoken, Your Excellency, and I dare say that they spoke loudly and without equivocation. Therefore, the journey to a better Lagos is laid squarely in your court. May God Almighty be your lode-star in this journey.”

  • INEC presents certificate of return to Ogun governor elect

    Mr. Adedapo Abiodun, the Ogun governor-elect, on Thursday received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The certificate was presented to him by INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof Abdulganiy Olayinka at the media center of the commission in Abeokuta.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, the state deputy governor-elect, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, had earlier been presented with her certificate during a brief ceremony witnessed by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    Abiodun in his short remarks titled: “A victory for the good people of Ogun state”, promised a fair, just and equitable system, describing the electorate in the state as heroes and heroines of the election.

    He explained the task before his administration is enormous, considering the resources of the state, but assured residents of his readiness with their support to deliver on his promises.

    He appreciated his co-contestants, especially the major ones for demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship and promised to extend hands of fellowship to them.

    “I solemnly pledge that our administration will be fair, just, equitable and inclusive,” he said.

  • Non-issuance of Certificate of return: Okorocha is on his own, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday spoke on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s decision not to issue Certificate of Return to Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    The commission said it has no official position on the issue since the governor is still under suspension.

    National Publicity Secretary Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu spoke at an interactive session with reporters that the governor has also not informed the party of the problem he is having with the electoral management body probably because he is aware of his suspension.

    INEC has said it will not issue Certificate of Return to Okorocha, because, according to the commission, he was declared winner under duress by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state.

    Asked whether the party planned to intervene in the matter, Onilu said Governor Okorocha is still under suspension, adding that until such is vacated, the party will not intervene.

    Read also: I’m not owing any bank, Okorocha insists

    “On the refusal of INEC to issue Certificate of Return to the governor, who was announced winner of the Imo West senatorial ticket, this party cannot take any action. Don’t forget that he is on suspension and as far as this party is concerned, that situation remains because there is no way we can say that somebody is on suspension and still go ahead to intervene in his case.

    “In any case, he has not even come up to inform the party of his problem because he has realised that he is on suspension. Therefore, until it is vacated, the party will now step in to intervene as a party member who has problem to resolve.”

    On whether former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Ameachi had committed anti-party activity for allegedly supporting governorship candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), Onilu said: “I will emphatically say no because if you liken it to the situation in Imo and or Ogun states, it will be wrong. In Rivers State, APC does not have any candidate and as a party, Rivers State is very important to us. The state has been in the hands of pillagers for too long.

    “If we have the opportunity of working with a party willing to abide by our principles, then it is within our right to work with such a party to ensure we free the people of Rivers State from the locust. In this case, he has not abandoned a particular candidate that belongs to the APC for a candidate of another party. They are entirely different issues and in that case, there is no anti-party. Whatever Amaechi has done is completely normal and acceptable to this party as far as working with other party is concerned.”

    On the supposed suspension of Senator Kabiru Marafa by his ward in Zamfara, Onilu said: “It s within the powers of the party executives at the ward level.

  • INEC presents certificates of return to Taraba governor, others

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Wednesday issued the Certificate of Return to Governor Darius Ishaku and his deputy, Haruna Manu.

    Speaker of the Taraba State 24-member House of Assembly, Peter Abel Diah, also received his Certificate of Return.

    All the winners of the House of Assembly polls, including Mark Useni, representing Takum II constituency, were given the Certificate of Return.

    The documents (Certificates) were given at the INEC Conference Hall, Jalingo -the Taraba state capital.

    The governor, who contested on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had polled 520,433 votes in 12 of the 16 local government areas to defeat Sani Abubakar Danladi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who trailed him with 362,735 votes.

    Speaker Diah, who also won in PDP, had polled 14,814 votes to slam his closest rival of the APC who got 7,842 votes.

    The INEC Resident Commissioner, represented by the administrative secretary, said the certificates were given in compliance with Section 75 of the Electoral Act 1999.

    He congratulated the poll winners and urged them to serve in the interest of the people who voted them into office.

    Read also: INEC presents certificates of return to 26 Ekiti lawmakers- elect

    Receiving the Certificate of Return, Ishaku asked for peace to enable him perform.

    He said: “When I make a promise I keep it. All the promises I made in 2019 electioneering campaign shall be kept.

    “I will ask for what I requested in 2015: Give me peace and I will give you development.

    “Peace is the antidote for development because there can never be any development where violence thrives.

    “Ask all the communities that gave me peace -they are enjoying developmental projects I provided.

    “In Taraba state, the potentials are huge. Thus, all hands must be on the desk for us all to tap it,” he said.

  • Ikpeazu receives Certificate of Return

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday issued a Certificate of Return to Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and his deputy, Chief Ude Chukwu.

    Ikpeazu won the governorship election for a second tenure on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.

    Speaking at the event, which took place at the INEC office in Umuahia, he restated his commitment to embark on programmes that would fast track infrastructure development.

    He said that he would strive to improve on the administration’s performance of the five pillars in the areas of education, industrialisation, trade, commerce and agriculture.

    He also promised to initiate policies and programmes that would drive the process for job creation to provide employment for the teeming unemployed youths of the state.

    The governor extended the olive branch to his opponents at poll and urged them to join hands with his administeation to take Abia to greater height.

    “This is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of Abia people.

    “I said in 2015 that this government is for the common and ordinary people,” Ikpeazu said, while rededicating himself to greater service to the state.

    He commended INEC “for conducting in Abia one of the most transparent elections in Nigeria.”
    He also lauded security agencies for their role in ensuring that Nigeria remained united and peaceful country.

    Earlier, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, the National Commissioner of INEC, called on the elected people to consider their victory at the polls as an expression of trust from the people.

    Ibeanu charged them not to betray the confidence but make the people’s welfare a top priority.
    “In Nigeria, we need to develop a culture of post-election healing. Elections are necessarily divisive and even more so in our context.

    “We must work together and I request you to treasure this mandate and at the end of the day you would have written your names in gold,” he said.

    Also, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Iloh, appealed to the elected representatives to address the basic infrastructure needs of the people.

    Iloh also commended the security agencies for providing a conducive environment for the peaceful conduct of the 2019 general elections in the state.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that certificates of return were also presented to the 24 members-elect of the state House of Assembly.

  • INEC presents certificates of return to 26 Ekiti lawmakers- elect

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has presented certificate of return to the 26 elected members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

    INEC Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Muslim Omoleke presented the certificates at a ceremony in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.

    Omoleke, urged the elected lawmakers to promote equity and justice when eventually inaugurated as members of the state House of Assembly.

    “The legislature is a critical arm of government, because it makes laws to regulate the business of governance and don’t do anything that will be repugnant to democracy, equity and justice.

     “Do not enact laws that will be antithetical to the 1999/Constitution, because it remains the grand norm. Make sure you make laws that will promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

    “We are not also unmindful of the doctrine of separation of powers. But you must cooperate with the executive to make the state greater than it is,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Asuquo Amba, security chiefs, traditional rulers among others.

    Chief Paul Omotoso, the state’s chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) urged the lawmakers-elect not to neglect their constituents, who gave them the mandate to serve.

    Omotoso was represented by the State Secretary of the party, Mr Sola Elesin.

    “Ekiti people are known for honesty, and you must bring this to bear. People expect much from you and you must live up to the expectations of those who voted for you,” he said.

    NAN reports that all the 26 lawmakers were elected under the platform of the APC.