Victoria Mgbanwa
Certificate of return has been presented to the kogi state Governor-elect, Usman Ododo and his running mate Joel Salifu, by The Independent National Electoral Commission. At the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital on Friday.
Usman Ododo who is the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress had won the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State with a wide margin, having polled 446,237 votes to defeat Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who came second with 259,052 votes.
After receiving his certificate, the Governor-Elect expressed joy and said that he would make good his campaign promise to build on the sterling achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello while preserving the unity of the state.
He appreciated all the people of the state for the support he got at the polls, explaining it as a consolidation of the strength and unity of the Kogi State.
While promising to justify the confidence reposed in him, Usman said, “My administration will be committed to sustaining the youth and women empowerment programs of the present administration. My resolve to provide employment for our teeming youths and ensure that education occupies the front burner of our administration remains unchanged.
“My victory at last Saturday’s election is a victory for all. We will run an all-inclusive administration, where everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion, and political affiliation, will be carried along.”
Former Governor Yahaya Bello, witnessed the presentation of the certificates of return and also urged the people of the State to join hands with Ododo in building a greater Kogi State.
He said, ”The election has come and gone and a winner has emerged. I call on the people of the State to work towards the unity and togetherness our administration has achieved”.
Presenting the Certificate, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Gabriel Longpet, said the presentation was part of the Commission’s mandate, Stating that Usman Ododo was being presented with the certificate, having met the constitutional requirements.
