Sanwo-Olu (2nd right) displaying his certificate of return.
In fulfillment of its mandate, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continued the issuance of Certificates of Return (CoR) to Goverors-elect and deputy governors-elect on Thursday.
This was even as the electoral umpire also extended the issuance of the certificates to State House of Assembly members-elect.
Each of the candidates were declared winners by INEC during the March 18 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in different states.
BOblog reports that the electoral body commenced the issuance of Certificates of Return on Wednesday, 29 March, which is expected to end on Friday, 31st March, 2023.
To this end, the governors-elect promised to embark on more poeple-oriented projects in line with their developmental agenda.
Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, Lagos Lawmakers-elect Receive CoR
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, on Thursday received their CoR from the INEC following their re-election during the March 18 poll.
The commission also issued CoR to 40 lawmakers-elect in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, encouraged the elected public officers to fulfill the promises made to the people and shun do-or-die politics.
Agbaje, who congratulated the winners and all the stakeholders, said that he was humbled by the outcome of the election despite the enormous challenges that characterised the exercise.
He said: “The journey towards the accomplishment of success in the Governorship and State House of Assembly election was not completely smooth, as some desperate elements used their negative utterances which unnecessarily overheated the political environment.
“Armed thugs were used to unleash mayhem in some areas while unfounded allegations were peddled against INEC to distract her from focusing on its mandate during the period.
“The commission was, however, undaunted as it remained focused in doing all that was required within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to avail all registered political parties that nominated candidates for the election equal opportunity to participate in the process.”
Agbaje noted that the commission prepared adequately and set up all the machinery needed to guarantee the smooth conduct of election in the state.
He harped on the need for political party leaders to end violence, malpractice, thuggery, vote buying and other forms of election vices.
The REC pleaded with the winners to be magnanimous in victory by showcasing open- handed approach to all Lagos residents.
He added: “For those that could not make it this time, all they need to do is to go back to the drawing board to re-strategise for another time, as INEC will continue to create the needed level playing field for all those that aspire to take part in any election in Nigeria.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that the certificate affirmed him as the duly elected Governor of Lagos State for a second and final term of four years, promising to remain the governor of all residents.
“Today, I stand before you older, wiser, more experienced, and more committed than ever to deliver on the contract that binds me to the good people of Lagos state.
“You have been with me every step of this journey, providing feedback, sharing your opinions, holding us accountable.
“As we commence the next phase of this journey that will take us until 2027, I want you to continue to hold us accountable as your elected servants.
“We have made promises, indeed, and we have also delivered on so many of them,” he added.
The governor said that residents had witnessed his accomplishments over the last four years in line with the THEMES Agenda.
He assured the completion of all ongoing projects, with a promise to fund, priortise and deliver additional projects.
Sanwo-Olu called for unity among residents, while extending a hand of fellowship to all the opposition, urging them to join forces with him and build the Greater Lagos of their dreams.
He encouraged those dissatisfied by the outcome of the governorship election to seek for redress through the judicial system, pleading with Lagosians to ignore hatred, incitement and violence.
The governor informed that his re-election would unlock four more years of peace, progress and prosperity for Lagos state as well as another four years of massive infrastructure renewal and development.
INEC Supervising National Commissioner in charge of Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos State, Mr Sam Olumekun handed over the CoR to the Governor-elect and the Deputy Governor-elect while Agbaje presented the CoR to lawmakers-elect.
INEC Issues CoR To Sokoto Governor-elect, Deputy, Others
Sokoto Governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu receiving his certificate of return.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return (CoR) to Sokoto Governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu; his deputy, Alhaji Idris Gobir and 30 members -elect of the State House of Assembly on Thursday.
INEC National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, Prof. Muhammad Kalla said that the gesture was in continuation with the election process.
Kalla appreciated the residents for their maturity and commitment toward peaceful elections in the state, just as he appealed to elected officials to remain committed in fulfilling the mandate reposed on them by the electorates.
“We should continue to pray for them to lead us to the right path that will enhance the living standard of the people, our state and Nigeria at large,” he said.
The governor-elect appreciated INEC for facilitating a peaceful, free, fair and credible election that led to his victory.
“This victory is not to Ahmad Aliyu, but the entire people of Sokoto state. I thank the electorate for their confidence in electing me to lead the state.
“I also wish to use the medium to appreciate my political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for giving me the opportunity to contest.
“However, to those that battled for this position in other political parties, I appeal to all of you to come and join hands with me to build the Sokoto state of our dream,” he added.
Aliyu appreciated the APC leader in the state, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko and other stakeholders for their support and advice that led to their victory.
The 30 members-elect that received the certificates include Tukur Umar (APC- Binji), Abubakar Magaji (PDP- Bodinga North), Tukur Bala (APC-Boding South) Sirajo Muhammad (APC- Dange/Shuni) and Kabiru Dauda (APC- Gada East).
Others were Awaisu Aliyu (APC- Gada West), Adamu Nasiru (PDP- Goronyo), Amadu Yahaya (APC- Gudu), Bello Idris (APC- Gwadabawa North), Sidi Faruku (APC- Gwadabawa South), Abubakar Sirajo (APC- Illela) Habibu Modachi (PDP- Isa) and Kabiru Ibrahim (APC- Kware).
Also, Samaila Hamisu (APC- Kebbe), Abdullahi Zakari (APC- Rabah), Aminu Almustapha (APC- Sabon Birni North), Sa’idu Ibrahim (APC- Sabon Birni South), Masa’ud Mohammed (PDP- Shagari), Atiku Liman (PDP- Silame) Buhari Haliru (PDP- Sokoto North I) and Hussaini Tukur (APC- Sokoto North II).
Added to the list were Mustapha Abdullahi (APC- Sokoto South I), Aminu Gidado (APC- Sokoto South II), Sule Romo (PDP- Tambuwal West), Buhari Isah (PDP- Tambuwal East), Usman Aliyu (APC- Tangaza), Abdullahi Randa (PDP- Tureta), Abubakar Lamido (APC- Wamakko), Shamsu Aliyu (APC- Wurno) and Abubakar Shehu (APC- Yabo).
However, 20 APC members and 10 PDP members would pilot the affairs of the 10th Assembly in the state.
23 Imo Assembly Members-elect Get CoR
At least, 23 members of the Imo State House of Assembly received their Certificates of Return (CoR) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday.
BOblog reports that only State House of Assembly elction took place in Imo State on March 18, 2023, as the gubernatorial is billed to hold on November 11, due to the delayed inauguration of the incumbent governor, Hope Uzodinma.
The certificates were issued by the Administrative Secretary, Mr Jude Okwuonu.
Okwuonu noted that the event was in fulfillment of the commission’s mandate to issue certificates of return within 14 days after election.
He advised the members to understand that they were elected to serve their constituents, even as he appreciated the stakeholders who supported the commission before, during and after the elections.
Recall that the election in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA) was declared inconclusive, while that of Isu LGA was marred by violence.
The certificates for Ideato North and Ideato South state constituencies were not issued during the ceremony.
However, all the recipients of the certificates contested and won on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
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