BY: Eben Enasco Kingsley (BENIN)
The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, INEC on Tuesday May 6, 2015 presented Certificate of Return to member-elect, Edo State House of Assembly, EDSHA to affirm their victory.
Speaking on the occasion of the presentation of certificate of return to the 24 member-elect, Barrister Mike A. Igini, the Resident Electoral Commissioner congratulated and commend Nigerians; particularly people of Edo State for a successful elections as he reiterated the unity that have abound among all in the aftermath of the elections.
In his words, “May I welcome you all to this occasion and to commend all Nigerians particularly the people of Edo State for the successful conduct of the 2015 elections. It is gratifying to note that we are still together and have something to hope for about our country despite all the apocalyptic projections. There’s no standard book of democracy that a successful election anywhere in the world is necessarily the absences, democracy is not a final product that you graft into a society but a dynamic process that must be nurtured and enriched with the growth and evolution of society.
Mr. Igini however, explained that the election had a handful of complains but admonish all to explore areas of improving and sustaining electoral practices in the country.
According to him, “As a people, we must have something to build on as exemplified by the four elections conducted under civilian leadership.
The challenge of democracy and the ills associated with periodic elections can only be cured with more improved elections as we have done since 2011 elections.
The INEC gaffer was optimistic that democracy is an interesting phenomenon which persuades us that, we have a choice with consequence
that we are bound to live with till the next election regardless of our later disposition as it seeks openness and brings about participation and accountability in the process of human development.
“When defined as the “of”, “by” and “for”, means of deciding mode of governance, democracy despite its insistence on due process that some people are impatient with it is the most interesting, acceptable form of governance to marked to meet the basic requirements of participatory socio-economic and political organizations”, he remarked.
Barrister Igini pointed out that, INEC as a respondent at tribunals is to explain the process leading to the return made in the election and not to defend individuals.
“Our remit is the process that must be transparent and credible. However, we can say that we modified a credible process that complied largely and substantially with the laws that governed the election” he echoed.
However, the INEC REC urge all elected members to put the interest of the electorate at heart and to keep their promises with the hope that it will not be a shame of act.
He said, “As we handover to you today our job is done, and your certificate of return is our hope that you will live up to the expectations of the electorates and that your promises in the just concluded elections would not be sources of disappointment”.
While responding on behalf of the members elect Hon. Folly Ogedengbe thanked all for the support and promise to abide by the rules of governance and direct all efforts to good governance, and issue base.
“Let me say on behalf of my elected colleagues’ thank you all for your support. We are going to have a full scale representative. No more fight.
Meanwhile, 23 of the elected 24 members were available to pick their certificates as Hon. Crossby Eribo was the only notable member – elect absent on the occasion.
