The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday issued certificates of return to the Governor-elect of Akwa Ibom State Umo Eno and his deputy Senator Akon Eyakenyi as well as 26 House of Assembly members elected during the March 18 elections in the state.
The 26 House of Assembly members-elect include 24 members elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic party and two members on the platform of Young Progressive party.
Speaking during the ceremony at the INEC Secretariat in Uyo the Commission’s National Commissioner in charge of South-South, Mrs May Agbamuche expressed appreciation to all the stakeholders for the role they played in the successful conduct of the just concluded elections.
She said that the Electoral act, mandates the Commission to issue certificates of return to winners of the election within 14 days from the day the results were announced.
The governor-elect, in his speech shortly after receiving the certificate, expressed appreciation to God and the people of Akwa Ibom State for their faith in Arise Agenda, adding that his administration would sustain the existing peace in the state.
While calling on his opponents to join hands with him to develop the state, Eno reminded them that the days of elections were over, adding that it’s ” time to heal the land and further move the needle of development of our State collectively, in one accord and with unbroken spirit of sportsmanship.”
He said ” Let me again use this opportunity to invite my brothers who, also, aspired and contested for the same position that it has pleased God to entrust me with today, to join me in this great journey of deepening the continued peace and progress of our dear State.
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“As I said in my Acceptance Speech, we all ran a good race, but in any contest, a winner must emerge and it has pleased God to make me the winner. I am committed to remaining magnanimous in victory and being a Governor for all Akwaibomites irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Permit me to thank the other contestants who ran with me, and who have since visited to congratulate me and promised to work with me in furtherance of our developmental agenda as enshrined in our A.R.I.S.E. Agenda.
“Let me again reemphasize the need for us to eschew hatred based on our political differences. There is too much polarization along political lines in this State. We must not allow politics to poison the well of our unity. We must continue to celebrate and deepen our bonds and cords of brotherhood, our deeply rooted homogenous beliefs, shared values and ethos and shy away from hatred, anger, animosity and animus towards one another based purely on political differences.
“Political campaigns are over; it’s time to heal the land and further move the needle of development of our State collectively, in one accord and with unbroken spirit of sportsmanship. That is the spirit I will bring to the administration of this State, so help me God”
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