Chinedum Elekwachi
Anambra state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has received the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Soludo received the certificate Tuesday at the Commission’s office in Awka from the Supervising Electoral Commissioner in charge of Anambra election and Chairman, Tenders Board, Ken Ukeagu.
The governor was declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election by INEC, having polled 422,662 votes to defeat his closest rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of All progressives Congress APC, who scored 99,445 votes
Speaking shortly after receiving the Certificate, Soludo praised President Bola Tinubu for allowing a free and fair Electoral process in Anambra state, noting that there is hope for Nigeria.
He hailed the INEC and security operatives for what he described as a free, fair credible contest last week Saturday in the state.
The Governor said the state made history as the first state where the new INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, had his first litmus test and came out successfully.
” I thank the people of the state for the trust and confidence in my leadership. We will continue to work for you. Anambra is still on the rise.
Sustained improvements
“Our Electoral process has been getting better and better. It showed during the by-election in August before the governorship election last weekend.
“It was the turn of INEC,it answered,votes counted and it was executed.
” The new INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan SAN has created an impression through a credible and fair election in Anambra.
“History has been made,it was unprecedented by the turn out of Voters and votes cast” Soludo said.
Earlier, INEC’s Supervising commissioner, Ken Ukeagu, said the Certificate of Return is not a sign of victory, but a renewed hope for his people.
He added that he should approach the new era with a lot of commitment, of unity and Enterprise.
Ukeagu also congratulated Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, while wishing them a peaceful tenure.
Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Agwu expressed joy over excited faces of the people adding that it was a promise kept.
