Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This presentation is coming barely six days after the off-cycle November 11th governorship election in which he was declared winner.
Receiving the certificate, Uzodimma pledged to run an inclusive government where the interest of every Imo man and woman will be accommodated, adding that he will enthrone a legacy that ensures rancour-free politics.
While acknowledging contributions of all segments of the public that ensured his victory at the poll, the Governor commended his running-mate, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, who also received certificate of return at the event, noting that her emergence had made her the second female deputy governor since the creation of the state in 1976.
Uzodimma used the forum to commend INEC for conducting what he described as the freest, fairest and most peaceful election in the history of the state.
The Governor also acknowledged the security agencies for working hard to deliver what has been widely adjudged a credible poll whose integrity cannot be questioned.
According to him, holding the sanctity of the electoral process, INEC has deepened Nigerian democracy with assurance that their votes will always count.
The governor urged his opponents in the election to see beyond their immediate environment and commend INEC for doing a beautiful job.
He said: “as usual, critics have been weaving their conspiracy theories without taking into consideration the factors that shaped my victory.
“I am glad to say that I deserve this victory because not only that Almighty God made a way for me, I strategised and worked very hard for it,”he said
Speaking further, he noted that “by the grace of God, my sterling performance in about four years and the initiative of the Imo Charter of Equity propelled my victory at the poll”.
Handing over the certificate of return to the Governor, the INEC’s National Commissioner for South East, Mr Kenneth Ukeagu, said the issuance of the certificate was in compliance with Section 72 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
He reminded Nigerians that the commission remained independent, non-partisan and committed to its constitutional mandate in conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections.
“In the execution of this mandate, the commission is permitted to deploy technologies to strengthen the process including the use of the BVAS, IReV portal as well as capacity deployment of its entire staff,” Ukeagu said.
He assured Nigerians that the commission will continue to build and improve on the gains recorded so far.
The national commissioner further said the commission will not waiver in upholding the sanctity of the ballot as well as the continuous improvement of the electoral process.
In her remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the state, Prof. Sylvia Agu, commended the various stakeholders for their roles in the first ever off-cycle governorship election in the state.
She said the victory marked at the polls was an evidence of the hard work of the winners and a reflection of the trust the electorate have placed in their leadership.
Agu advised the Governor to be the leader and governor for all, especially now that the time for campaigning has ended and the time for leadership is ahead.
She said: “Let the trust that Imo electorate bestowed on you at the polls propel you to deliver on your promises to them and live up to your mandate as the governor of all”.
She urged all stakeholders to, regardless of their political affiliations, and ideologies, remain united as brothers and sisters and harmoniously build a state where peace, progress, and inclusivity will be a priority.
. TheWitness
