By Jubril Bada
|
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State yesterday issued Certificates of Return to winners of the March 18, 2023 State House of Assembly election.
The Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Oyekola Oyelami, presented the certificates to the lawmakers-elect at the headquarters of the commission at Alagbaka, Akure.
The elected legislators are 26 under the platform two political parties; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 22 and four seats respectively.
The lawmakers-elect are Princess Tosin Ogunlowo Ajirotutu, Idanre, Chris Ayebusiwa, Okitipupa 1, Ololade Gbegudu, Okitipupa 2, Olatunji Ifabiyi, Odigbo 1, Stephen Abitogun, Akure 2, Temitope Akokolafe, Ifedore, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Owo1, Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju Ondo West 1, Dr. Christopher Ogunlana, Irele, Nelson Akinsuroju, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo.
Others are: Oladiji Olamide, Ondo East, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan, Ilaje1 Mrs Morenike Witherspoon, Owo 2, Oladapo John Biola, Ondo West 2, Messiah Allen, Ese-Odo, Oluwarotimi Fasonu, Odigbo 2, Oshatti Olatunji Emmanuel, Ose, Murtala Suleiman, Akoko South East, Fatai Tiamiyu, Akoko North West 1, Victor Japhet, Akoko North East, Olawunmi Fayemi , Ilaje 2 and Kolawole Ologede, Akure North.
Also are: Adeolu Adeniran, Akure 1. Oluwatoyin Daodu, Akoko South West 1, Tope Agbulu, Akoko South West 2 and Felix Afe, Akoko North West.
Presenting the certificates to the elected lawmakers, the acting Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Mr. Oyekola Oyelami, congratulated them on their well deserved victory and the electoral body in the state for recording huge success in all elections.
According to him, the milestone achieved in Nigeria’s democratic development by the virtue of the 2023 elections cannot be overemphasized.
He enjoined the lawmakers-elect as they were given the opportunity by the electorate to represent their interest at the State Assembly to perform their roles and duty in a manner that will meet the expectations of the electorate at each constituency.
He said: ” As an election management board that is committed to be free, fair, transparent and credible, INEC has performed well and will continue to perform its role as it is concerned with technological innovation and improvement of electoral progress in the country.”
Oyelami appreciated the stakeholders for their patience and support during and after elections, urging them to continue in the same direction towards electoral process.
He assured that INEC will continue to be available to attend to everything that falls within the ambit of its mandate as it is enshrined in the constitution and work for the development of democracy.
In his remarks, the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Matters, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, appreciated the INEC and the security agencies for the job well done towards peaceful and credible elections in the state.
The governor charged the newly elected legislators to serve the people of the state as its expected of them.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Bamidele Oleyelogun, advised lawmakers-elect to deliver vibrant representation to the people of their constituencies through robust debate at the floor of the house that will better their lives.
Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers-elect, the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, appreciated the INEC and security agencies for allowing level playing ground to achieve credible elections in the state.
He assured the people of the state to be expecting good governance from the 10th State House Assembly.
