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Tag: Inec

  • AbdulRasaq promises not to discriminate against opposition

    Kwara state Governor-elect Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Wednesday promised not to label anybody opposition in the state.

    He said his administration would be an all-inclusive government that would embrace everybody in the state.

    Abdulrazaq said this in Ilorin, the state capital after receiving his certificate of return from the state Resident Election Electoral Commissioner of INEC.

    “This state belongs to all. We don’t see anybody as opposition. It is Kwara for all. All hands must be on deck (to rebuild the state).

    ‘’This is a poor state and a lot of work has to be done. We will embrace everybody,” AbdulRazaq stressed.

    He said the new administration has a lot of work to do to get the state back on its feet, calling on all Kwarans to support his government once he is inaugurated in the coming months.

    “When you record a winning margin of 75 percent as we did, it means that even those on the side of PDP voted for us.

    “So we are going to ensure that we all work together. We are not going to label anybody. There are good people on the other side too.”

    He went on: “Our members will also be taken care of and our priority will be to rebuild our state. We need to get everyone together for the task ahead and move our state forward.

    “We have a big task ahead of us but we will surmount the challenges ahead by the grace of God. Once again, we thank everyone who took part in the elections — either as officials or as voters.”

    READ ALSO: Saraki congratulates Kwara governor-elect, Abdulrasaq

    AbdulRazaq also hailed the electoral body, the security agencies and the voters for their patriotic roles while the exercise lasted.

    He rated the elections in Kwara as the most peaceful and orderly, commending the security agencies for checkmating thuggery and potential violence in the state.

    National Electoral Commissioner of INEC Dr Mohammed Haruna described the elections in the state as remarkable.

    Dr Haruna added: “The change in the state was not only remarkable but peaceful.

    “It is remarkable because those who lost at the polls accepted their defeat.

    “Senate President Bukola Saraki in his congratulatory speech said those who won the elections are not his enemies.

    “Therefore, I urge you not to treat those you have defeated as your enemies.”

  • 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.

  • INEC presents certificates of return to 24 Edo Assembly members-elect

    The Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) in Edo on Wednesday presented certificates of return to winners of  the House of Assembly election held in the state on March 9.

    Mr. Emmanuel Alex-Hart, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo presented the certificates to the elected members of the house.

    Alex-Hart implored them to use their positions to enact good laws for the development of the state.

    He called on the lawmakers-elect to extend hand of friendship to all for the sake of peace and unity for which Edo had been known amongst the South-South states.

    “May l use the occasion to congratulate you all on your victory at the polls and also implore you to use your good offices to make good laws for the development of Edo State,” he said.

    The REC urged those aggrieved because of the outcome of the poll to approach the election petition tribunal in the state to seek redress in accordance with the law of the land.

    The elected members who received their certificates of return were Mr Idaiye Oisayemoje (Akoko-Edo I), Emmanuel Agbaje (Akoko-Edo II), Victor Edoro (Esan Central), and Onobun Marcus Iziebeaya (West Esan).

    Others were Francis Abumere Okiye (Esan North East I), Emmanuel Okuduwa (Esan North East II), Ojidzwle Osezua (Esan South East), Ahmed Oshomah (Etsako Central), Kingsley Ugabi (Etsako East) and Abdul Audu (Etsako West I).

    Also presented with certificates were Seid Oshiomole ( Etsako West II), Crosby Eribo, (Egor) Henry Ikhuarob (Ipoba-Okha), Aluebhosele Ephiraim (Igueben), Osaro Obaze (Oredo East), Okaeben Christopher (Oredo West) and Onaiwu Ugiabu (Ovia North East I).

    Other recipients were Vincent Uwadiae (Ovia North East II), Aghedo Sunday (Ovia South West), Eric Okaka (Owan East), Michael Ohio-Ezomo (Owan West), Osofo Washington (Uhumwode), Nosayaba Okunbor (Orhionmwon 1) and Roland Asoro (Orhionmwon South).

  • Ugwuanyi, deputy, others receive Certificate of Return

    Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Wednesday received his Certificate of Return as Governor- Elect in the March 9th Governorship Election held in the state.

    The governor, alongside his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and other elected members of the state Assembly received their certificates of return at the headquaters of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) in Enugu.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state, Dr. Emeka Ononammadu, noted that it was gratifying that the electoral process ended in peace with all promises of fairness, openness and neutrality kept.

    “It was a tortuous journey that did not come at zero cost but it is also a journey that the entire nation is poised to learn from Enugu,” he stated.

    The governor-elect, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi stated that they had prayed for a peaceful and transparent election and commended efforts of security agencies during the process.

    A National Commissioner of INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye, who also spoke at the occasion said INEC could no longer afford to plan in an uncertain environment.

    Okoye, who is the commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, disclosed that the independent National Electoral Commission would embark on aggressive constitutional and electoral reforms to enhance the integrity of the electoral process.

  • INEC presents Certificate of Return to 23 elected Bayelsa lawmakers

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to the 23 newly-elected members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly.

    The certificates were presented by INEC Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in the state, Mr Monday Udoh, in Yenagoa, on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those who received the certificates include 19 lawmakers elected under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and four others elected under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    READ ALSO: INEC suspends election in Bayelsa constituency

    Speaking at the ceremony, Udoh said election into the remaining seat at the house -Brass 1 constituency, is yet to be concluded owing to a court order restraining INEC from conducting the election.
    “As a law abiding body, we have to comply and wait until it is dispensed with,” he said.

    Udoh, commended security agencies for their support as well as political parties and the media for keeping the people informed about activities of the commission.

    The state’s INEC Administrative Secretary, Mr Lebari Nduh, urged the elected lawmakers to provide dividends of democracy to the electorate.

  • INEC presents certificate of return to Okowa

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday presented certificate of return to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and withheld certificates of returns of four Assembly constituencies due to pending court cases.

    Out of the 29 constituencies in the Assembly, four constituencies were not issued certificate of return due to pending cases in court.

    The four constituencies denied certificate of return are: Ethiope East (APC); Ughelli North I (APC); Ughelli North II (APC); and Ukwuani Constituency (PDP).

    At the presentation ceremony in Asaba, the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of South-South, Dr Mohammed Lecky, urged politicians to place the nation above self even in time of victory.

     “This is the only way the dividends of democracy for which many have paid the supreme price can truly be within the reach of voters, majority of who went through enormous troubles to exercise their franchise,’’ he said.

    Lecky while congratulating the governor-elect and the state Assembly members, said, “Section 75(10) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended provides for the issuance of certificate of return to elected candidates by the chairman of INEC’’.

    In his address, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Cyril Omorogbe, commended security agencies who worked tirelessly to tackle threat to peace and security in the course of the election.

    Omorogbe, however, regretted the loss of lives and destruction of property that accompanied the exercise in some voting centres in the state.

    According to him, we share in the grief of families and friends of the deceased and those who lost property.

    Responding, Okowa thanked God for making his victory possible.

    READ ALSO: APC kicks as INEC declares Okowa re-elected in Delta

    He commended INEC for conducting an election in the state that was adjudged very peaceful.

    Okowa also commended INEC for being firm in the discharge of its duties and noted that there was also room for growth and improvement of the nation’s democracy.

    According to him, our democracy can only grow when we as notable politicians are ready to partner with INEC and learn to put the interest of the country first.

    “The interest of this country is that we must conduct election in such a way and manner that the global world will be able to also see Nigeria as a growing democracy.

    “To that extent we will attract more investors into this country to invest and that will help to create jobs for our people,’’ he said.

    The governor while commending the people of the state gave an assurance that “in the next four years, we are going to do much more than we did in the last four years’’.

    Okowa, therefore, called for full participation of the people of the state in good governance and in ensuring that the dividends of democracy were delivered to the people.

    According to him, we realised that we cannot do the job alone and we need the collaboration of all Deltans to enable us to achieve that which we want to achieve.

  • INEC presents Certificate of Return to Niger governor

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Niger on Wednesday commended eligible voters in the state for their peaceful conduct during the 2019 general elections.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Samuel Egwu, made the commendation after presenting Certificates of Return to Gov. Abubakar Bello and his deputy, Ahmed Ketsu, in Minna.

    The REC also presented certificates of return to the 27 winners of the state assembly election of which APC won in 26 constituencies and PDP in one.

    Egwu said that the political maturity demonstrated by the voters paved way for the peaceful electoral process in the state.

    He also lauded the efforts of INEC officials for ensuring smooth implementation of the electoral process during and after the elections.

    Speaking after receiving his Certificate of Return, Bello commended INEC for providing a level playing ground for all the political parties during and after the elections.

    He said that the commission provided a great opportunity for eligible voters to elect leaders of their choice.

    The governor also commended the security agencies for ensuring peaceful atmosphere during and after the elections in the state.

    He promised to initiate policies and programmes that would enhance the wellbeing of residents.

    “We will initiate and implement people oriented programmes in the areas of water supply, education, healthcare delivery and provision of modern farming implement affordable to farmers,” Bello said.

  • INEC withholds Certificates of Return for four Delta Legislators-elect

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday denied certificates of return to four House of Assembly members- elect in Delta State over pending court matters.

    However, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy Kingsley Otuaro along with 24 other members-elect were given certificates of return.

    National Commissioner in charge of Delta State, Dr Mohammed Lecky, confirmed the development while presenting certificates of return to successful candidates.

    He said the four members-elect were denied certificate following court actions.

    He listed the affected members-elect as Anidi Emosivwe Ethiope East (APC); Oniyere Whomrouho, Ughelli North1 (APC); Egbo Jaro Movudu Ughelli North 2 (APC) and Ochor Christopher, Ukwuani (PDP).

    However, Deputy Speaker, Friday Osanebi representing Ndokwa East Constituency, was conspicuously absent at the presentation ceremony.

    It is unclear why Friday Osanebi was absent during the presentation of certificate of return.

    Lecky, in a brief remark, congratulated Okowa and other candidates for their victory at the polls.

    He said the presentation ceremony was the highpoint of one of the legal requirements on the journey to assumption of office after being returned as elected.

    Lecky said section 75 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides for issuance of certificate of return to candidates, adding the commission has complied with the requirements of the law.

    Okowa praised Deltans for the matured manner they conducted themselves during and after the election which he claimed was “adjudged the most peaceful”.

    He however regretted the death of four persons, adding that three died during the Presidential elections while one died during the gubernatorial election.

    He said his victory will spur him to do more in the next four years.

    According to him: “I believe Nigeria can be great if all stakeholders remain committed. All Deltans should be ready to work and shun all negative vices in my determination to take Delta to the next level.

    “The next four years we will do more than we did in these last four years.”

  • Breaking: Ihedioha, 27 lawmakers receive Certificates of Return in Imo

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday issued a Certificate of Return to the Imo State Governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Francis Ezeonu, who presided over the occasion, also presented Certificate of Return to the 27 House of Assembly members-elect.

    Ihedioha won the March 9 governorship election under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Read Also: Court strikes out suit restraining INEC from issuing certificate of return to Ihedioha

    Speaking shortly after receiving the Certificate of Return at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Oweri, Ihedioha promised to be fair to all respective of their tribal or party affiliation.

    He said he will abide by the rule of law in administering the state.

    According to him, “I will be Imo governor in the real sense of the word.”

    He assured members of his transition team would comprise of men and women of integrity who will contribute immensely in the development of the state.

  • INEC to propose constitutional amendment to overhaul electoral process

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will embark on aggressive constitutional and electoral reforms to enhance the integrity of the electoral process.

    The commission also promised to consider the duality of electronic and manual collation and transmission of results to prevent noticeable lapses.

    A National Commissioner of INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu during the presentation of Certificates of Return to elected members of state assembly, governor and deputy governor-elect in the March 9 elections.

    Okoye, who is the commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, said that the commission could no longer afford to plan in an uncertain environment.

    He said that a section of the political class had refused to imbibe the democratic spirit that puts obedience and respect to constitutional dictates at the centre.

    “While the commission acknowledges the need for constitutional and electoral renewal, the greater challenge lies in the bad behavior of a section of the political class.

    “It is very clear that some of the provisions in the Constitution and Electoral Act must be realigned to meet the expectations of our people.

    “The commission will take a second look at the timeline for the disposal of pre-election matters and propose an amendment to the National Assembly,” he said.

    Okoye said that the commission would favour an amendment that would lead to the disposal of all pre-election matters at least 45 days to holding of elections.

    He said that INEC would take steps that would prevent political thugs from storming collation centres in search of results.

    The commissioner charged the beneficiaries of the certificates to live up to the expectations of their people.

    “The validity of the certificates rests with the people of the state. It is within their constitutional mandate to renew, withdraw and or elevate it,” Okoye said.

    Earlier, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr Emeka Ononammadu, said that the state office of the commission would be fair to all part during post-election activities.

    Ononammadu said such activities include reverse logistics and tribunal matters.

    He said that it was gratifying that the electoral process ended in peace with all promises of fairness, openness and neutrality kept.

    “It was a tortuous journey that did not come at zero cost but it is also a journey that the entire nation is poised to learn from Enugu,” Ononammadu said.

    In a remark after collecting his certificate of return, the governor-elect, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said they had prayed for a peaceful and transparent election.

    Ugwuanyi commended efforts of security agencies during the process.

    He said his administration would continue to serve with the fear of God.