The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday presented the Certificate of Return to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State as winner of the July 14, 2012 governorship election in the state.
INEC’s National Commissioner, Col. Mohammed Hammanga, who presented the Certificate to the governor at exactly 6:38pm, congratulated Oshiomhole, saying his victory was a reflection of his good works, which endeared him to the electorate.
Hammanga also commended INEC and the security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the polls.
He said: “I am very glad with the way the election was conducted. It was peaceful. I participated in the conduct of the election in Edo South and I was impressed. Osho Baba, congratulations.”
Meanwhile, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Kassim Geidam, has said the July 14 election recorded the highest turnout of voters since 2007.
Geidam said the electoral act provides that the Certificate of Return be presented to the winner within seven days.
While congratulating Oshiomhole on his re-election, Geidam said: “I urge you to continue with the good works you have done so that more dividends of democracy can be provided for people of the state.
“I wish politicians will do good works, so that they will have a strong basis for re-election.”
In his response, Oshiomhole said: “This Return Certificate is a mandate to return to work and deliver on our mandate.”
He hailed the REC for his “uncommon courage” while he also congratulated the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, for the overall success of the polls.
He said the state government will take steps to support the widows and children of the policemen and INEC ad-hoc staff who died in a boat mishap at Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state, while transporting election materials.