By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (NEC), Borno State on Thursday presented Certificates of Return to Borno State Governor-elect, Babagana Zulum and his Deputy, Hon Umar Usman Kadafur after their successful re-election.
Also presented with Certificates of Return include the 28 Borno State Assembly members including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Abdulkarim Lawan, who were re-elected under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Earlier, the INEC National Commissioner in-charge of Bauchi, Yobe and Borno states, Major General Modibbo Alkali (rtd), said the mission of the electoral umpire is very clear, which is to serve independently, effectively towards conducting free, credible, transparent and fair elections in the country.
To this end, the National Commissioner said, as stakeholders, they will always stand by the 2022 Electoral Act to ensure sustainable democracy for the interest of Nigerians.
While congratulating Governor Zulum and his deputy, Kadafur and all the other 28 House of Assembly Members -elect, Alkali enjoined them to be fair to all manners of people who gave them the mandates to serve, as according to him, INEC will continue to improve upon the use of technology to ensure transparency, free, credible and acceptable elections in the country.
“It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to present to you Certificates of Return after your victory in the last 18th March, 2023 gubernatorial and House of Assembly polls, I besiege all of you to justify the confidence reposed in you by your electorate in delivering good governance”. General Alkali said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Ibrahim Magaji, disclosed that the presentation of certificates of return to the Political office holders followed their elections under their various political platforms, and is within the stipulated time frame of 14 days after the last concluded Gubernatorial and state Assembly Elections in the state.
Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate on behalf of the other elected political office holders, Governor Zulum thanked INEC for conducting free and fair election in the state which made the APC to sweep all the 28 house of Assembly seats.
He dedicated the victory to God Almighty and the good people of the state who gave him another mandate to serve them, which he pledge not to disappoint them in the course of discharging his statutory responsibilities.
Zulum, however, extended an olive branch to all his opponents by urging them to join hands with his administration in order to better the lives of Borno citizens.
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