INEC issues certificates of return to governor-elect, 31 lawmakers-elect in Bauchi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday issued certificates of return to governor-elect of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, his deputy, Baba Tela, and 31 members-elect of the state House of Assembly in Bauchi.

Presenting the certificates, the National Electoral Commissioner in charge of Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe States, Baba Shettima-Arfo, said the event was historic in the democratic transition of the state.

Mr Shettima-Arfo noted that the process used to be peaceful in Bauchi, but lamented that this time around, ”there were pockets of violence in few places in the state, which resulted in inconclusive elections in some parts of the state”.

He assured that the commission would investigate the circumstances to enable it tackle same during future elections.

The official urged stakeholders in the state to work closely with INEC to enable the commission to excel during future elections.

He commended organisations in the state that contributed towards the success of the last election.

On his part, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in charge of Bauchi State, Ibrahim Abdullahi, observed that elective positions in the state were keenly contested, describing the situation as a positive development.

Mr Ibrahim assured political actors that the commission would remain an impartial umpire in the discharge of its responsibilities.

In his remarks, the governor-elect, Mr Mohammed, commended INEC for conducting a free and fair election.

He also commended the Bauchi electorate for exhibiting maturity during the polls.

The governor-elect pledged not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the people. He called on all and sundry to join him in developing the state.

Out of 31 House of Assembly members-elect, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has 22, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got eight while ANPP had one. (NAN)