INEC presents certificates of returns to Governors-elect, Dep-Govs-elect, Houses of Assembly members-elect

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled Wednesday, March 29 to Friday March 31 for the issuance of Certificates of Return to governors-elect, deputy governors-elect and states Houses of Assembly memberselect.

This was disclosed in a statement by an INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye in Abuja.

This, the Professor Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC said, was in line with the provisions of Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

According to Okoye, “By the provisions of Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission is mandated to issue a certificate of return within 14 days to every candidate who has been returned elected under the law.

“Pursuant to the provision, the Commission has fixed Wednesday March 29, Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31 for the issuance of Certificates of

Return to those elected on March 18.

“The presentation will take place in INEC offices in each state of the federation,’’ Okoye stated. He ecplained that specific dates for the issuance of the certificates would be communicated to those elected by the Resident Electoral Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries of the various states.

According to him, “Governor Ortom, who has stood firm for the unity of this country, governor Ortom who has come out openly to say that Nigeria must be one is not the type you will say you’ll refer to that your kangaroo committee.”

The Rivers State governor said if anyone deserves to be suspended from the party, that person is Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who he accused of contravening the PDP constitution on the zoning of elective and appointive offices.

He added, “If there is any person deserving suspension, it should be you (Ayu), who played anti party by refusing to obey the constitution of the party on zoning of political offices as is required. “So, whoever tells you that you can suspend people, please tell the person that he is not serious.”

Continuing , Ayu said, “if you are talking of anti-party, it is you who could not even deliver your unit, deliver your ward that is involved.

“Because of the fraudulent activities you are involved in, people have lost hope in you. That is why you cannot win your unit, win your ward”, he stressed.

Governor Wike cautioned Ayu and the NWC to desist from threatening the G-5 governors and members of the Integrity Group with suspension.

According to him, Ayu has, by his recent action, opened up a new chapter of political war in the party.

“You cannot cage any of us. Ortom will not appear before any of your so called disciplinary committee. Ayodele Fayose will also never appear before any disciplinary committee”, he vowed.