INEC Issues Certificate Of Return To Okowa, Others, Withholds Certificates Of 3 Elected APC Lawmakers In Delta

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificate of return to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro who was his running mate in the March 9, 2019 governorship election.

INEC National Commissioner in charge of Delta, Cross River and Akwa-Ibom states, Mohammed Lecky, however denied three All Progressive Congress (APC) members-elect for the Delta State House of Assembly their certificates.

Lucky said the commission was withholding the certificates following subsisting court cases against the potential legislators.

Those affected are, Anidi Emosivwe for Ethiope East constituency, Charles Whomorho for Ughelli North I constituency and Jaro Egbo for Ughelli North II constituency.

Also withheld is that of member-elect on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ocho Christopher for Ukwuani constituency.

BIGPEN ONLINE could not immediately verify if the commission also withheld the certificate for incumbent Deputy Speaker, Friday Osanebi who was re-elected on the platform of the PDP for Ndokwa East constituency, as he was conspicuously absent during the presentation of the certificates to winners of the March 9 elections.

Besides, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who was re-elected on the platform of the PDP, the Speaker of the House, Sheriff Oborevwori who was so re-elected on the PDP platform to represent Okpe constituency and others received their certificates from Mr. Lecky.

Addressing newsmen, Okowa, flanked by his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, thanked the people of the state for renewing his mandate, describing the election of March 9 as peaceful, and commended INEC for delivering on its promise to conduct free, fair and credible polls in the state.

He however regretted the loss of four lives in Delta central during the general elections, describing it as unwarranted.

The governor solicited the continued partnership with the people, saying that he had a successful first tenure because of the collaboration and participation of the people in his administration.

“We want to re-assure that we will be doing more for the state. We call on all because it requires the participation of the people. We will continue to connect with the people through town hall meetings and other avenues. I appeal for all to cooperate with us in the next four years,” Okowa said.

Earlier, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Cyril Omorogbe who was represented by the Administrative Secretary, Felix Enabor said the presentation of certificates is the culmination of the general elections in the state.

Omorogbe congratulated the political parties and their candidates in the state for exhibiting high level of decorum and restraint throughout the elections.

Regretting the loss of lives and destruction of property in some voting centres in the state, Omorogbe disclosed that security agencies were already on the trail of the perpetrators of the dastard acts with a view to bringing them to justice.

He added: “It is worth noting that the commission in Delta State has received a number if requests for CTC of election materials and we are working within the legal framework covering such activities to respond as they come.”