Obiano receives Certificate of Return from INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented a Certificate of Return to the winner of the just-concluded Anambra State Governorship Election, Chief Willie Obiano.

Obiano, who won on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) after overwhelming 36 other candidates, who vied for the same position.

Others, who also received certificate are the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke and the member-elect for Idemili North Constituency, Mrs. Nkoli Mmegbuanaeze.

Presenting the certificate, the INEC National Commissioner in-charge of Legal Services, Mrs. May Agbamuche, said they relied on Section 57 of the Electoral Act, as amended, to present the Certificate of Return within seven days of the election.

In his remark at INEC Headquarters, Awka, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Nkwachukwu Orji, said the certificate represented the mandate of the people.

His words: “The mandate is not an end, but a means to an end. The end is the development of the state and welfare of the people.

“It is a responsibility and not an award. A responsibility to take care of the people, who voted for you, which will define how people will vote the party again in the next election.’’

Orji, who expressed happiness over the credibility of the election, explained that the power of vote had been restored in the electoral system.

“The value of vote is the constitutional responsibility of the people. Electorate should shun selling of their votes and always vote according to their conscience and by so doing, the value of vote will be restored.’’

He expressed gratitude to God because some individuals, who came to the state to witness chaotic election, were left disappointed.

Orji commended the people of the state, the security and other agencies for maintaining decorum in accordance with constitutional provision.

In response, Governor Obiano said he was happy at receiving the certificate to run the affairs of the state for another four years.

Obiano, then, offered gratitude to God for granting him victory.

He praised President Muhammad Buhari for keeping to his promise of ensuring free and fair election in the state.
The governor applauded INEC for conducting a transparent election in the state and the security agencies for their positive roles during the poll.

Obiano pledged to continue to work toward offering good governance to the citizens.

He urged those who contested with him to join hands in transforming Anambra State.

John Ndu, Awka