INEC issues certificate of return to Kano, Benue, Nasarawa Governors-elect
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued the Certificate of Returns to Kano, Benue, and Nasarawa State Governor-elects.
Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the newly elected Governor of Kano State, collected his certificate of return from the electoral body at the INEC office in Kano among supporters, party members, and well-wishers.
The Governor-elect arrived at the INEC office to receive his certificate of return and was greeted by a large crowd of supporters who cheered and chanted slogans in celebration of his victory.
As he made his way into the building, he was received by officials of the commission who presented him with the certificate.
In his remarks after collecting the certificate, Engr. Yusuf expressed his gratitude to the people of Kano State for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the state. He thanked them for their support and assured them of his commitment to delivering on his promises.
He also commended INEC for the smooth conduct of the election and for ensuring that the will of the people prevailed. He called on all stakeholders to work together to build a prosperous Kano State that is the pride of Nigeria.
The presentation of the certificate of return marks the official confirmation of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s victory in the March 18th, 2023 governorship election.
With the certificate of return in hand, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf is now set to begin the task of governing Kano State.
Similarly, the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule has also received his certificate of return, following his re-election victory at the March 18 Gubernatorial polls.
The Governor received his certificate of return alongside the Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Balarabe Abdullahi, and other members-elect.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, on Wednesday at the INEC office, Governor Sule acknowledged that elections in Nigeria are always accompanied by challenges, with losers often accusing those who win.
He urged those who feel aggrieved to take their case to court and noted that such challenges are not new in the country’s political landscape.
The governor also expressed gratitude to the people of Nasarawa State, saying that his victory was made possible by their support.
He further stated that his administration had been fair and transparent, and commended the security agencies for their role in ensuring a peaceful election.
Governor Sule also noted that the state had recently made history by discovering its first oil well in Obi local government council, which he said was a happy moment for the state.
The governor called on all stakeholders to cooperate and work together to move the state forward, including members of his party who had defected to the opposition. He thanked everyone for their goodwill and support and promised to continue delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
In the same vein, Benue State Governor-elect, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday, received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with a promise to work with all parties and groups to reposition the state.
Others who also received their certificates in Makurdi were the Deputy Governor-elect, Sam Ode, and the 32 elected Assembly members.
Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate, the Governor-elect said the event marked the beginning of a new Benue.
He said, “I am very confident that the Members-elect will make a transition and work-friendly enough and much beneficial for the great people of Benue. I remain hopeful for an Assembly that will produce and create avenues for peace, and economic growth by making all assertions meaningful for the state. We will apply this trust maximally, optimally to the benefit of the state.”
While commending the people for their faith in him, Fr. Alia said “we will not take this trust of yours for granted. We remain indebted to all who made this day possible. We will remain loyal and patriotic to the tenets of our nation. We will remain faithful and great citizens of the state and nation.
“We look forward to working with different groups and all parties in the state. We are looking forward to taking our state to greater heights. We must all be architects of a new face of Benue.”
