By: Ishola Michael, Gombe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Gombe State on Thursday, presented certificates of return to the re-elected State Governor, Muhammadu InuwaYahaya, his Deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau and all House of Assembly members- elect.
The presentation of the certificates of return followed their victory at the just concluded governorship and state house of assembly elections.
While the INEC Commissioner- in-charge of Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba States, Dr. Baba Bila presented the Certificate to Governor Inuwa Yahaya and his Deputy, the Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Umar Ibrahim handed same to members- elect of the Gombe State House of Assembly.
In an address at the occasion, Governor Inuwa said that his victory is for all citizens of Gombe State, assuring the people that, “this certificate I received today is a license for us to go all out to do more so that we deliver on the mandate given to us by the electorate “.
To those who contested and lost in the elections, the Governor said that “as in every electoral contest, there is bound to be winners and losers. But for me, there is no victor and no vanquished.”
He added that, “If the ultimate objective of all political parties and contestants is about the peace, progress and development of Gombe State, it behooves all of them to support us in moving our dear State forward.”
He expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their support and peaceful conduct throughout the process.
The Governor-elect also noted the 2023 elections are among the most credible polls in Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999 and commended INEC and security agencies as well as all those who played roles in facilitating the successful conduct of the polls in Gombe State which was adjudged as free, fair and credible.
He particularly praised INEC for its innovation to ensure free and fair elections. He however advised that going forward, the commission should introduce more innovative modalities so that elections in the country will move to a near perfection.
Speaking earlier, the Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Umar Ibrahim said that the presentation of Certificates of Return to winners in the just concluded Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections marks one of the major activities in the 2023 elections.
He urged the Governor- elect and others to see their election as an indication of the confidence reposed in them by the electorate and a debt they must pay through the provision of the dividends of democracy.
The Gombe REC therefore congratulated the Governor- elect, his Deputy and all elected members of the Gombe State House of Assembly on their victory at the polls.
He described election as a multi dimensional stakeholders’ venture which requires the contribution and commitment of all to successfully execute.
He therefore thanked all stakeholders in the state for supporting the commission throughout its preparations for the conduct of the 2023 General Elections.
The ceremony, held at the International Hotel, was graced by top government functionaries, APC chieftains, traditional rulers, religious leaders among others.
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