INEC issues Certificate of Return to Akwa Ibom Governor-elect, Eno

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, issued Certificate of Return to the Governor-Elect, Pastor Umo Eno.
Eno emerged winner of the governorship election held on March 18.
The event held at the INEC Office in Udo Udoma Avenue in Uyo also witnessed the presentation of Certificates of Return to 25 newly-elected House of Assembly members by the National Commissioner, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu.
Etim Ekpo/Ika State constituency was left out as elections in the area were declared inconclusive. As such, 25 house members-elect out of 26 received their certificates of return from INEC.
Before making the presentations, Mbu thanked all stakeholders for the role they played for the successful conduct of the just concluded election.
She said that the electoral act, mandates the Commission to issue certificates of return to winners of the election within 14 days from the day the results were announced.
She said, “Let me appreciate our critical stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the 2023 general elections in Akwa Ibom.
“I wish to commend the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Cyril Omorogbe, the management staff of the commission, members of the press and observers for their commitment and participation in the just concluded general elections.”
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom, Cyril Omorogbe, reassured all stakeholders in the electioneering process that INEC was poised at building on the high level of credibility it has achieved.
He urged them to use the renewed mandates given to them to serve the people diligently and truthfully.
In his remarks, the governor-elect, Eno promised to be magnanimous in victory and called for everyone to join hands to build the state.
“Let me again use this opportunity to invite my brothers who, also, aspired and contested for the same position that it has pleased God to entrust me with today, to join me in this great journey of deepening the continued peace and progress of our dear State.
“As I said in my acceptance speech, we all ran a good race, but in any contest, a winner must emerge and it has pleased God to make me the winner.”