INEC issues Certificate of Return to Gov -elect Hon Nwifuru/House of Assembly–members-elect on election victory

By CLEMENT NNACHI (ABAKALIKI)

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  on Wednesday issued Certificate of Return to Ẹbọnyi State Governor-elect Hon Francis Nwifuru, deputy Governor-elect Princess Patricia Obila and 17 House of Assembly members -elect on their victory in the March 25th gubernatorial poll.

This follows the Commission declaration of Hon Nwifuru and Princess Patricia Obila of the All Progressive Congress (APC), as the winners of the governorship and deputy governorship-elect in the just concluded polls.

In a similar vein, the Ebonyi State Governor -elect Hon  Francis Nwifuru, in an acceptance  speech pleged to implement fully his manifesto which focused  on “People Charter of Needs” based on Open Governance, through Citizens input.

Handing over the Certificates  to the winners, held at the Commission Headquarters Abakaliki,  the INEC National Commissioner in-charge of Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo State Mr Kenneth Okeagu, said that the event was a unique event.

In a speech, the Ebonyi State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs Pauline Onyeka Ugochi, charged the winners to see the election as call to service.

“There are supposed to be 24 members-elect of the State House of Assembly, but only 17 member-elect, were issued with Certificate of Return, leaving 7 members out”

“Certificate of Return is an evidence of authority that shows that one has been duly elected in the election”

“Out of the seven constituencies slated for supplementary election, two had issues to be sorted , five constituencies will have full supplementary election”

The Resident Electoral Commissioner named members-elect who received certificate of Return include  Hon Ukie Ezeali /Afikpo North East, Hon Nnunu Joseph (Abakaliki South), etc.

Other member -elects include Hon Onuma Nkemka (Afikpo South West), Mrs Nwaogbaga Chinyere (Ebonyi North East), Hon Kelvin Kelechukwu (Ezza North East), Hon Chukwu Arinze Lucas (Ishielu South) among

The INEC Commissioner disclosed that the Commission recovered materials snatched during the election, but rescued some INEC staff held hostage by hoodlums.

“Few INEC staffs found below expectations have been blacklisted for future elections”

Mrs Pauline urged stakeholders of various constituencies where supplementary elections would be conducted on 15th  April 2023, to ensure peaceful conduct of  the exercise.

In attendance at the event included the State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs Pauline Onyeka Ugochi, the Administrative Secretary Mr Charles Ezema,