The Independent National Electoral Commission –INEC, Anambra State, today issued all thirty Anambra State House of Assembly members-elect with their certificate of return, as mandated by the law. The event which was held in the hall within the premises of the INEC headquarters in Awka, was attended by well wishers of members-elect, Anambra media community, heads of security agencies or their representative, Anambra State INEC PRO; Kingsley Agu, INEC Administrative Secretary; Ibeh U. Ibeh, Resident Electoral Commissioner; Queen Agwu, and National Commissioner; Festus Okoye. Also, some traditional rulers and political party leaders were in attendance.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Mrs. Queen Agwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Anambra State, commended INEC staffers for conducting a credible election. However, she wondered why people are not commending INEC for conducting a credible poll. “This REC did not collect N1 from anybody for the person to emerge. In Nigeria, we like to place on record bad deeds, but keep shut on good deeds. Why are we not celebrating and commending INEC? We did well in Anambra and ought to be commended,” the REC said. Speaking on the challenges before the members-elect, she admonished that upon swearing-in, members must use their office to the service of the people of their constituency to the best of their ability. The REC thanked the media community for their cooperation, and also observed that no staff, permanent or ad hoc, of the Commission was injured throughout the elections. The REC also thanked the Commission, the National Chairman of INEC and Board of INEC, for giving them freehand to objectively undertake their onerous responsibilities.
On his part, the INEC National Commissioner, Barr. Festus Okoye noted that it is the duty of the REC to issue members-elect their certificate of return; however, he said he just decided to join her in performing the duty. In his remarks, Okoye said that democracy is a process. “Democracy is a work in progress. It is not a finished product.” This, he argued, is a long process of learning and retooling in which practice exposes gap in the system and demands that they make allowance for improvement. Festus Okoye also admonished members-elect to be weary of forces fighting democracy through careful “de-legitimization of our institutions,” Okoye said.
Mr. Okoye who reminded guests that Nigeria went into the 2023 General Election under certain social realities, equally noted that those assessing the election outcome at any level must do so within those realities. Importantly, he encouraged Nigerians to have faith in our democracy and in our institutions.
All the thirty members-elect were present to collect their certificate of return and at the end, vote of thanks on behalf of the members-elect, was given by Hon. Somto Udeze, member representing Ogbaru 11 constituency and re-elected for another term of office.
Meanwhile, Hon. Augustine Ike, member-elect for Nnewi North constituency, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu member representing Anaocha 11 constituency and re-elected for another tenure, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi representing Nnewi South 11 constituency and re-elected for second term, all expressed optimism and their readiness to give nothing less than their best to the service of Anambra State and to their constituents.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.
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