ABIA GOVERNOR-ELECT & DEPUTY RECEIVE CERT OF RETURN, CAUTIONS AGAINST NEW CONTRACT

REPORTER: JOHN MADUAGWU

Abia State Governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti, and the Deputy Governor-elect, Mr. Emeka Lekwachi, have been issued with Certificates of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

Performing the ceremony in Umuahia, the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Abia, Enugu, and Benue States, Mr. Festus Okoye, commended Abia residents for working hard to protect the tenets of democracy during the polls.

The National Commissioner reminded the Governor-Elect and his deputy to justify the confidence reposed in them by Abia people who voted for them by delivering on their campaign promises.

In a speech, the Governor-Elect thanked God for the success at the polls, noting that it was what Abia people prayed and worked for, assuring them they would not fail.

Dr. Otti applauded other governorship candidates, many of whom had congratulated him and indicated that they would not be engaging in any unnecessary litigations.

He thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his congratulatory message but urged him not to do anything that would give an impression that traps were being set for the incoming government such as fresh contracts that may be reversed.

The Governor-Elect further called on those with property or funds belonging to government to return them immediately, warning that government resources would not be privatized.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU