Niger East: Senator elect, Dr Zagbayi receives certificate of return

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Niger State has issued a certificate of return to the Niger East Senator-elect Dr. Shem Nuhu Zagbayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Emmanuel Onuchenyo while issuing the certificate said, “We are giving you all these documents now so that you can start preparing for 2015”.

According to the REC “It was a keenly contested election. We have learnt a lot as an organization because it was like a dress rehearsal for us and also the parties. We hope after today, you will not relent at all”.

“With this INEC certificate of return and other documents, we are going to engage him (Zagbayi) so that he can start preparing for 2015. So that you will not say that we did not inform or prepare you for 2015”.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Zagbayi said ‘I give glory to Almighty God today because I never thought that I will receive a letter of return from the REC today, after the demise of Senator Awaisu Kuta.

“I want to commend INEC for conducting a free and fair election. Little did we expect that there will be two elections but we thank God we are able to scale through.

“I promise to represent the Niger East Senatorial District, I will not disappoint you.”

Also, at the PDP secretariat, during a press briefing, Zagbayi disclosed that the election was adjudged peaceful, free and fair by the INEC and it is God’s will that he emerged Senator.

On the close gap between him and his closest opponent, the APC, Zagbayi said ‘I won the gold medal whether it is a close margin or wide margin.”

“I will do everything possible in my disposal and in collaboration with other Senators in ensuring we work assiduously so that Niger State gets the desired support from the federal government and to attract the dividends of democracy” he said.