Yahaya Bello In Attendance As INEC Presents Certificate Of Return To Ododo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of return to the Governor-Elect of Kogi State, Usman Ododo and his running mate, Joel Salifu.

The certificates of return were presented at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital, on Friday amid jubilation by a mammoth crowd of party supporters.

Presenting the Certificates, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Gabriel Longpet, said the presentation was part of the Commission’s mandate.

He said Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was being presented with the certificate having met the constitutional requirements.

Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate, Ododo assured the people that he would make good his campaign promise to build on Governor Yahaya Bello’s sterling achievements.

The governor-elect also promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state and vowed to preserve the state’s unity.

He expressed appreciation to the people of the State for the overwhelming support he enjoyed at the polls, describing it as a consolidation of the strength and unity of the Kogi State.

He said, “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.

“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.”

Also speaking with reporters, Governor Yahaya Bello, who witnessed the presentation of the certificates of return, urged the people of the State to join hands with Ododo in building a greater Kogi State.

He said: “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.”