By Auwal Ahmad:
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday presented Certificates of Return to Gombe State Governor-elect, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, his deputy, Mr Manassah Jatau and the 24 elected members of the State House of Assembly.
Baba Arfo, the INEC National Commissioner Supervising Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe States who presented the certificates in Gombe, said the outcome of the elections in the states under his supervision had shown that democracy had developed, adding that every vote counted during the elections.
He further urged the governor elect not to betray the trust bestowed on him by the people of the State who elected him into the office. “The people have struggled through their votes and you are the expression of that struggle, you must not fail them”.
Earlier, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Gombe State, Umar Ibrahim said the election in the State couldn’t have been peaceful and successful without the cooperation and contributions of all stakeholders in the State.
He particularly thanked the Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu for the role he played during the political campaigns and the election proper where he rigorously enjoined his people to come out to vote and conduct themselves peacefully.
Responding, the Governor-elect, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, expressed happiness with the Democratic process that brought about the occasion.
He commended the people of the State for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election and called on them to continue in that spirit.
Inuwa who described his incoming administration as a “product of true democracy”, extended his hands of fellowship to all those that contested to join hands with him in taking Gombe to the next level.