The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yobe State on Thursday presented Certificates of Return to the state Governor-elect, Mai Mala Buni, his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana and 24 members-elect of the state House of Assembly.
The certificate was presented to the Governor-elect by the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Yobe, Bauchi and Gombe States, Baba Shettima Arfo, at conference Hall of the Commission in Damaturu.
Speaking shortly after the presentation of the certificate, the National Commissioner, Baba Shetima Arfo commended Yobe State Government for creating enabling environment for the commission to conduct a free and fair election in 2019.
He appealed to the Governor-elect, his deputy and the members of the state House of Assembly to always remain accountable to the people of the state by providing the needed dividends of democracy that would lead to sustainable development in the Country.
“I want to use this forum to appreciated the effort of the security agencies towards the smooth conduct of the 2019 elections”, Arfo said.
He stressed that with this development from the security, conduct of election will henceforth be free, fair and easy in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Governor-elect Mai Mala Buni thanked the people of the state for giving him the mandate to serve them as the next governor of the state, while assuring to justify the confidence reposed on him.
Buni disclosed that both local and international observers have adjudged the 2019 elections as free, fair and credible.
“The role played by the security agencies in making sure that elections hold in the whole of the state calls for commendation noting that there were no incidences of violence throughout the electioneering period.
“I must commend INEC for working round the clock to ensure that all citizens exercise thier civic responsibility by electing leaders to run the affairs of the state and the country at large”, Buni commended.
The Governor-elect described the concession of defeat by the PDP gubernatorial Candidate Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum as a good development in the political landscape of the state, adding that Damagun has the mandate of the people of the state at heart over his own personal interest.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC Ahmad Makama said the election that brought elected members into power was smooth and peaceful, calling on them to reciprocate the electorate mandates by fulfilling their campaign promises.
The presentation was witnessed by the Governor Ibrahim Geidam represented by his Deputy, Abubakar Aliyu, top government officials, political parties, and security agencies among others.
Comments