IMO STATE GOV_ELECT, OTHERS…RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF RETURN

The Imo State Governor-elect, Chief Emeka Ihedioha has vowed to run an inclusive government that will respect the independence of the legislative and judicial arms of government as provided by the constitution.

Chief Ihedioha made this known shortly after receiving certificate of return at the State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Owerri.

The brief ceremony was performed by INEC National Commissioner in the zone, Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu with all the elected officials and their associates in attendance.

Others who received Certificates of Return were the Imo state Deputy Governor-elect Chief Gerald Irona, and twenty six out of the twenty seven members of the State House of Assembly.

In a remark at the event, the Governor-elect ,Chief Emeka Ihedioha commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for being an unbiased umpire.

He promised to run a responsible government that would address the yearnings and aspirations of the peoples.

Chief Ihedioha said the PDP-led administration in the State would revive local government system, reinvigorate the civil service, provide necessary infrastructure as contained in his manifesto.

“I want to assure you that under our watch democracy shall be practiced as enshrined in the constitution of our republic. We shall do all within our powers and by the grace of God to ensure that the independence struggle in Imo state is a true reality”…

The INEC National Commissioner supervising Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states, professor Okechukwu Ibeanu urged the newly elected to see themselves as custodians of public trust.

He called on the winners to take urgent steps towards healing the wounds created during electioneering.

“Because elections are in themselves very divisive in examples like Imo state very hotly contested and so there is a whole terrain of healing that has to be embarked upon, I pray that for those who lost they will be gracious enough not to make excuses but for those who won, in victory that they can be magnanimous”.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Francis Ezeonu congratulated the winners and urged them to see their emergence as call to service.

He said the member-elect for Ideato North State Constituency Chief Arthur Egwim was omitted but gave an assurance that the Certificate of Return would be issued to him in the coming days.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU