Politics
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return (CoRs) to two victorious Nasarawa State House of Assembly lawmakers in the Feb. 3 state legislative election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the earlier election of the two lawmakers were declared inconclusive by the Appeal Court in November 2023.
They are Mr Mohammed Omadefu (APC-Keana) and Mr Musa Ibrahim (NNPP-Doma South).
Alhaji Shehu Wahab, the Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), presented the CoRs to the lawmakers on Thursday in Lafia.
The REC urged them to continue to provide dividends of democracy to their people for the overall development of their constituencies and the state at large.
Responding, the legislators (Omadefu and Ibrahim) called on their political opponents to join hands with them for the overall development of their constituencies and the state at large.
Omadefu appreciated stakeholders, women and youths for supporting him during the re-run election.
“My hands are open to accommodate everybody to keep our constituency safe, developed and to provide good governance.
“Elections are over and it is time for governance. I want to call on my opponent to join hands with me so that we can collectively develop Keana constituency,” he said.
The former majority leader also appreciated Gov. Abdullahi Sule, party leaders and other members of APC for ensuring his victory at the re-run election.
Omadefu further commended INEC for upholding the tenets of democracy by ensuring free and fair election during the exercise.
On his part, Ibrahim dedicated his victory to the women and youths of his constituency for supporting and voting for him during the exercise.
“I have the women and youths as my strong supporters. They massively prayed, supported and voted me. I appreciate them all,” he said.
Ibrahim also called on his opponents and their supporters to join hands with him in order to develop Doma South constituency and the state at large.
The lawmaker further appreciated INEC and security agencies for ensuring rancour free re-run election in his constituency.
He assured that he would sponsor bills that would have direct bearing on the lives of his people at the grassroots.
“I have so many bills to sponsor that will have direct bearing on the lives of the people of my constituency,” he declared.
The lawmaker also extended an olive branch to his opponents and their supporters.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Nov. 28 2023, an Appeal Court sitting in Abuja declared the election of Keana constituency inconclusive thus nullifying the election of Omadefu.
Similarly, the Appeal Court on Nov. 29, 2023, ordered for re-run election in one polling unit of Doma South Constituency, after declaring the election of Ibrahim inconclusive.
In response to the Court Order, the INEC on Feb. 3, 2024, conducted re-run elections in Keana and Doma local government areas, respectively.
The outcome produced APC’s Omadefu and NNPP’s Ibrahim as winners and retained their seats. (NAN)
8th February, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: INEC
