By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has presented certificate of return to the Benue State Governor-Elect, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, Deputy Governor-Elect, Barr Sam Ode, Benue State House of Assembly Members-elect.
Performing the ceremony in Makurdi, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Benue and Anambera States, Barr Festus Okoye explained that the law permits the electoral body to present certificates of return to winners of the last Governorship and state house of assembly elections within two weeks.
Barr Festus Okoye who congratulated winners of the elections, told them that elections are over and it’s time to offer good governance to the electorate when sworn in.
“Section 72 subsection 1 of the electoral act makes it mandatory that the INEC shall issue certificate of return to every person who has been elected as Governor, Deputy Governor and as a member to the state assembly.
The law obligates of us to issue these particular certificates within the period of 14 days after having been declared duly elected by various returning officers”.
Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in charge of Benue State, Prof Sam Egwu implored leaders of the state in the next dispensation to provide the desired democracy dividends to the people.
