Additional governors-elect, on Thursday, got their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, with a commitment to deliver on their campaign pledges.
In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, collected theirs at INEC headquarters in the Yaba region of the state.
The governor renewed his demand for calm and peaceful cooperation in Lagos, just as he cautioned against religious and ethnic intolerance.
INEC’s National Commissioner for Ogun, Osun and Ondo states, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, presented the Certificates of Return to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, while the 25 members-elect of the state House of Assembly also received theirs from the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Niyi Ijalaye.
Abiodun, in his comments, stated, “This election expresses a renewed adherence to the mission of this government. It is a plea for a fresh hope to Ogun and the whole Nigeria nation.”
Katsina State
Similarly, Katsina State Governor-elect, Drikko Radda, congratulated “the voters of the state” for voting him into power after getting his certificate from the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru.
Radda committed not to disappoint the people of the state, stating, “We will not depart from our electoral pledges to you.”
Sokoto State
Also, the Sokoto State Governor-elect, Ahmad Aliyu, after receiving his certificate from INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Professor Muhammed Kalla, urged the opposition parties, especially the PDP, to join his incoming administration to build a better state.
Plateau State
In Plateau State, Governor-elect, Caleb Mutfwang, his deputy, Josephine Piyo, and the 24 members-elect of the state Legislature also obtained their certificates from the REC, Dr Oliver Agundu.
The REC asked them to explain their win with excellent governance.
In his speech, Mutfwang vowed to deliver exceptional governance that would elevate the state to new heights.
Enugu State
Likewise, the Enugu State Governor-elect, Dr Peter Mbah, upon accepting his, committed to lead an all-inclusive and open-door government to develop a wealthy state.
He stated, “History will never forgive us if, at a time like this, when we should be pursuing the interest and development of our beloved Enugu State, we are still entangled in the pursuit of political gains and cleavages.”
Others who collected their certificates included Deputy Governor-elect, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, and 23 members-elect of the 24-member state Legislature.
Gombe State
In Gombe State Governor Muhammed Yahaya, vowed to bring the benefits of democracy to the people of the state.
Yahaya provided the promise after he, with his deputy, Dr Manassah Jatau, and 24 members-elect of the state Legislature got their certificates from INEC.
Nevertheless, although the 23 members-elect of the Imo State House of Assembly, who won on the platform of the APC, got their Certificates of Return from INEC, nothing was stated about the four remaining state seats of Ahiazu Mbaise, Isu, Ideato North, and Ideato South.
Similarly, INEC awarded Certificates of Return to newly-elected 26 members of the Ondo State House of Representatives,
After the presentation of the certificates, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, represented by his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye, stated, “The people of Ondo State want you to work for them and do your job properly.”
Niger State
In Niger State, the Governor-elect, Umar Bago, and elected members of the state Legislature also got their certificates from INEC.
The governor-elect committed “to establish a successful and efficient system that will suit the requirements of every individual in the state and I tell you that I will not betray your confidence in leading the state to higher heights.”
Bayelsa State
In Bayelsa State, members-elect of the state Assembly got their certificates from the REC, Emmanuel Alex-Hart.
“Do not forget your people. They made it possible for you to be here. They will need your help, so do not forget them,” the REC urged them.
Governor Duoye Diri, in his speech, stated, “Let us continue to perceive ourselves as one. Nobody can do it alone, not even me as governor. What we need to do is to put the interest of the state ahead of personal considerations.”
Oyo State
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, his deputy, Mr Abdulroheem Lawal, and the 32 members-elect of the Assembly got their certificates on Wednesday.
