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Raphael Ede, Enugu and Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
THE Inependent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday presented certificates of return to Enugu Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Imo governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha and state Assembly members.
The certificates were presented to Governor Ugwuanyi, his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezilo and 24 elected members of the Enugu State House of Assembly by INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Emeka Ononamadu.
Speaking at the event, Ugwuanyi assured the people of Enugu that they will continue to enjoy peace and unity in the state during his second tenure.
While he pledged to continue to engage all parties, Ugwuanyi said his administration would continue to operate transparent government for the general progress of the state.
“Enugu State will continue to be in the hands of God,” he said.
Ugwuanyi, who thanked God for the electoral victory, also reiterated his commitment in infrastructure development, human capacity building, peace and security.
Ononamadu had earlier, in his address, commended the stakeholders, political parties, security agencies, media and voters for their painstaking support in conducting an election, “which is, today, evaluated as one of the best and most peaceful in the country.”
He said INEC will soon round off the post-election review meeting with stakeholders, to appraise what went right or wrong and steps to achieve success in future.
The REC, however, encouraged the elected members to be fair to the electorate and all Nigerians alike, while being firm in discharging their duties.
In Imo, the certificate of returen handed to Ihedioha as the winner of the 2019 governorship election followed wild jubilation as people followed his convoy singing and dancing, resulting to a heavy gridlock on major roads.
Ihedioha’s certificate has put to rest if INEC would bow to the two-thirds of the 18 local government areas of the state as demanded by some of the political parties.
Members of the House of Assembly-elects were also given their certificates of return.
However, shortly after receiving his certificate of return, Ihedioha promised to focus on getting the state back on track.
“My focus is to get the state working again. I’ll not look back, we’ll rather look forward. Under my watch, there’ll be a responsible government that would cater for the people, the restoration of the dignity of the Imo man is something we will not compromise,” he said.
Ihedioha also promised to setup a transition committee that will liaise with stakeholders for the smooth function of his administration while relying on separation of powers for efficient running of the government.
