- Extends olive leaf to co-contestants
From Gyang Bere, Jos
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented the Certificate of Return to Plateau State Governor-elect, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, and Deputy Governor-elect, Ngo Josephine Piyo.
The presentation was made by Resident Electoral Commissioner Plateau State, Dr Oliver Agundu and Honourable National Commissioner, Mohammad Haruna Kudu, who simultaneously presented the certificates. They noted that those receiving the certificate had satisfied the requirements of the law and that INEC had done its utmost to ensure free, fair, and credible elections where the votes of the people were counted.
During the presentation, certificates of return were also given to 24 House of Assembly Members-elect. Of the 24, 16 members were elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), 7 under the APC, and 1 member-elect under the platform of YPP.
Governor-elect Caleb Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the Plateau people and assured them that he and his team would provide inclusive leadership in the state.
He praised INEC for its honourable conduct during the election, saying, “INEC on the Plateau had acquitted itself honourably. While it is true that along the line some of the ad hoc staff who tried to provide room for the process to be sabotaged in one way or the other, but the leadership of INEC on the Plateau stood its ground, following the due process of law and that is why today it has concluded the process that has led to rejoicing across the land.”
Mutfwang also called on his opponents to join him in serving the Plateau people and to avoid wasting time and energy on litigations. He emphasised that the voice of the people had been heard and that their hope and aspiration were high.
Mutfwang promised to work together with Members-elect to bring greatness and prosperity to the Plateau people, saying, “From now henceforth, our focus will be on how to hit the ground running from May 29 so that the aspiration of our people will not be dashed.”