More governors-elect, on Thursday, received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, with a pledge to deliver on their campaign promises.
In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, received theirs at INEC office in the Yaba area of the state.
The governor reiterated his call for calm and peaceful coexistence in Lagos, just as he warned against religious and ethnic intolerance.
INEC’s National Commissioner for Ogun, Osun and Ondo states, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, presented the Certificates of Return to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, while the 25 members-elect of the state House of Assembly also received theirs from the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Niyi Ijalaye.
Also, the Sokoto State Governor-elect, Ahmad Aliyu, after receiving his certificate from INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Professor Muhammed Kalla, urged the opposition parties, especially the PDP, to join his incoming administration to build a better state.
In Plateau State, Governor-elect, Caleb Mutfwang, his deputy, Josephine Piyo, and the 24 members-elect of the state Assembly also got their certificates from the REC, Dr Oliver Agundu.
The REC urged them to justify their victory with good governance.
In his remarks, Mutfwang promised to provide quality governance that would take the state to greater heights.
Also, the Enugu State Governor-elect, Dr Peter Mbah, upon receiving his, pledged to run an all-inclusive and open-door administration to build a prosperous state.
He said, “History will never forgive us if, at a time like this, when we should be pursuing the interest and development of our dear Enugu State, we are still enmeshed in the pursuit of political gains and cleavages.”
Others who received their certificates included Deputy Governor-elect, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, and 23 members-elect of the 24-member state Assembly.
In Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, promised to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
Yahaya gave the assurance after he, alongside his deputy, Dr Manassah Jatau, and 24 members-elect of the state Assembly received their certificates from INEC.
However, while the 23 members-elect of the Imo State House of Assembly, who won on the platform of the APC, received their Certificates of Return from INEC, nothing was said about the four remaining state constituencies of Ahiazu Mbaise, Isu, Ideato North, and Ideato South.
Similarly, INEC issued Certificates of Return to newly-elected 26 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly.
At the presentation of the certificates, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, said, “The people of Ondo State expect you to work for them and do your job properly.”
In Niger State, the Governor-elect, Umar Bago, and elected members of the state Assembly also received their certificates from INEC.
The governor-elect pledged “to construct a prosperous and functional system that will meet the needs of every person in the state and I assure you that I will not betray your trust in taking the state to greater heights.”
In Bayelsa State, members-elect of the state Assembly received their certificates from the REC, Emmanuel Alex-Hart.
“Do not forget your constituents. They made it possible for you to be here. They will need your cooperation, please do not forget them,” the REC told them.
Governor Duoye Diri, in his remarks, said, “Let us continue to see ourselves as one. Nobody can do it alone, not even me as governor. All we need to do is to put the interest of the state ahead of personal considerations.”
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, his deputy, Mr. Abdulroheem Lawal, and the 32 members-elect of state Assembly received their certificates on Wednesday.