The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abia State has handed over certificates of return to the governor of the state and his deputy –  who attended with their wives, and the elected members of the state’s House of Assembly.
The presentation of certificates which was made by the commissions National Commissioner in charge of the South-East, Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, was witnessed by members of the governor’s cabinet, friends and well wishers of the members elect of the state’s House of Assembly, members of the Press and Abians in General.
In his remarks, the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Joseph Iloh charged the members elect, governor and deputy to take the mandate given to them by the people seriously and to ensure that they improve on the already existing structures.
In his remarks, the governor of the state, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, called on all Abians to join hands with him in ensuring the forward movement of the state, stating that the enormity of the burden makes it difficult for him to move the state all alone.
Furthermore, the governor thanked the security force, INEC and nd? Abia for a peaceful and successful conduct of the elections. He promised to not let the state down.
Meanwhile, all members elect of the Abia state judiciary were present during the presentation of certificates, including the current deputy speaker of the house who lost out in the election, as he was seen congratulating his colleagues who returned and those who will be joining the 9th Assembly.