INEC asks Fubara, others to see their elections as call to service

Rivers State Governor-elect, Siminialayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and 32 House of Assembly members-elect have received their certificates of return.

The governor-elect and his deputy were presented the certificate, yesterday, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner supervising Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.

In her remarks, Agbamuche-Mbu told the governor-elect and the lawmakers-elect to realise that their election is a call to service.

She appealed to security agencies and political parties to cooperate with INEC to ensure hitch-free conduct of supplementary election in two federal constituencies, namely PHALGA 2 and Khana/Gokana in the state.

Speaking after receiving his certificate of return, Fubara urged the opposition to join his incoming administration to build a better and progressive Rivers State.

“For the opposition, our doors are open, including our window. If you don’t want to pass the door you can enter through the window because we really need everyone on board for a better and progressive Rivers State.”

Fubara commended INEC for the successful conduct of the governorship election, which he described as one of the best in the recent history of the state.

He attributed the success recorded by INEC in the elections to the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

“I want to commend you for this innovation. Although we had little hitches here and there, I believe going forward, INEC should ensure that ad hoc staff, including their staff are given proper training early enough so that the hitches experienced, most especially during the presidential election, will not be experienced in future election.”

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, urged the governor-elect and others not to see their success in the poll as a personal victory, but a triumph for the democratic process and a call for national duty.

Governor Nyesom Wike; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chibudum Nwuche; former Deputy National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Sam Jaja and the PDP Chairman in Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, among others, witnessed the presentation by INEC.