Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The independent National Electoral commission (INEC) yesterday presented certificate of return to the 23 elected House of Assembly members for just concluded general elections across the eight local government area of Bayelsa State.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the State, Dr. Emmanuel Alex Hart issued the certificates to all the elected members on Friday 30 March 2023 at Prof Mahmood Yakubu Media Centre, Yenagoa.
The resident electoral commissioner urged more women to participate actively in politics.
He admonished elected law members to stand on their campaign promises by making laws and programme that will impact on the electorates that voted them into power.
He said, “It is possible to do that. Let’s give them equal opportunity to represent us. They are our mothers, they are our sisters. We need them in every facet of the society. So, as you go back, think about it.
“You have won, in a couple of minutes you will get your certificate of return. That will tell the whole world that you are an elected member of the House of Assembly. But do not forget your constituents in your constituencies. They made it possible for you to be here today. You don’t get back and forget about them; that will be too bad.
“Remember the game is not over till it is over, this is just one phase, tomorrow you might wish to go higher and you will need their cooperation. But from the way you treated them, even though they won’t tell you right in the face, they will tell their selves the first one we did, what happened and that will be too bad for you”, Hart advised.
Also, the administrative secretary of INEC, Engr Okop Umobong commended the people of Bayelsa State for the success recorded during the election, adding that it would not have been possible without the people’s desire to have a successful election.
“Even as we look forward to the two constituency elections, the supplementary elections that are coming on the April 15, 2023, we know that election will be successful as well”.
Daybreak news report that, the People Democratic party (PDP) had 17 elected Assembly members, All Progressive Congress (APC) 4 members while All Progressive Grand alliance had 2 Members for the incoming 7th Assembly.
INEC is yet to conclude the election of Ogbia Constituency two as suspected thugs burnt electoral materials meant for Ogbia wards 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the House of Assembly election on Saturday,25 March 2023.