The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Friday, presented certificates of return to the Kogi Governor-Elect, Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Joel Salifu.
Ododo and Salifu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) won the November 11 Off-Cycle Governorship Election in Kogi with 446,237 votes to beat their closest rivals, Murtala Ajaka and Sam Ranti-Abenemi of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that garnered 259,052 votes.
The certificates of return were presented to the duo at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital, amid jubilation by party members and supporters.
Mr Sani Adam (SAN), the National Electoral Commissioner for Kwara, Niger, and Kogi, who presented the certificates to them, congratulated them for emerging victorious in the governorship election.
Presenting the Certificate, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Gabriel Longpet, said the presentation was part of the Commission’s mandate.
Sani said that Ododo and Salifu were being presented with the certificate because they met the constitutional requirements.
Shortly after receiving his certificate, Ododo promised the people of Kogi that he would make good his campaign promises to build on the sterling achievements of Gov. Yahaya Bello.
The governor-elect thanked the people of the state for the overwhelming support given him during the election.
Ododo described the overwhelming support he enjoyed as a sheer consolidation of the strength and unity of the Kogi.
“My victory at last Saturday’s election is a victory for all. We will run an all-inclusive administration where everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation, will be carried along.
“My administration will be committed to sustaining the present administration’s youth and women empowerment programs.
“My resolve to provide employment for our teeming youths and ensure that education occupies the front burner of our administration remains unchanged, ” he said.
The governor-elect, however, promised to justify the confidence reposed in him, Ododo.
Bello, who witnessed the presentation of the certificates of return, urged the state’s people to join Ododo in building a greater Kogi State.
”The election has come and gone, and a winner has emerged. I call on the people of the State to work towards the unity and togetherness our administration has achieved,” he said. (NAN)
