Oyo State Governor, Deputy, Assembly Members-elect Collect Certificates of Return
Olubunmi Osoteku, Ibadan.
The Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; his deputy, Bayo Lawal; and the thirty-two (32) Oyo State House of Assembly members-elect, on Wednesday, received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Oyo and Lagos States, Mr Sam Olumekun, presented the certificates to the winners of the 18th March Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state at an event held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Governor Makinde, who spoke shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return, declared that he would redouble efforts towards taking the people of the state from poverty to prosperity.
The governor maintained that electioneering campaigns were over, and it was time for the government to face the task of governance and building a state that would be the envy of all other states in Nigeria.
Makinde appreciated the Resident Electoral Commissioner and his team, describing the election in the state as a good reference point for elections across the country.
“Today is not a day for long speeches but a day to thank the Almighty God on behalf of all the elected officials in Oyo State.
“I want to use this opportunity to say that elections and electioneering campaigns are over now. No more abuses and all that; it is time for us to face the task of governance and building a state that will be an envy for all the states in Nigeria,” said Governor Makinde.
He affirmed that it was time to redouble the efforts towards taking Oyo State people from poverty to prosperity, a day to reflect on the decision of the people of the state and acknowledge all the people who had contributed in one way or another to making the day a success.
“I want to especially appreciate the Resident Electoral Commissioner and his team, because the Oyo State election is a reference point for elections right across the country.
“My co-contestants have congratulated me, and I received a call personally from my brother, Bayo Adelabu, and we got a notice from Senator Teslim Folarin as well. That is the spirit in Oyo State.
“Let me finally say thank you to my leaders and elders,” he concluded.
According to the Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adeniran Tella, the INEC is mandated by law to issue certificates of return, within 14 days, to every candidate who had been returned elected.
“The electoral event is specifically designed for the presentation of certificates of return to the governor-elect, deputy governor-elect and 32 elected members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, for which the election took place on March 18 in the Pacesetter State,” Tella explained.
