By Magnus Effiong
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has presented the Cross River State governor-elect, Ntufam Sen. (Prince)Bassey Edet Otu with a Certificate of Return, days after a sweeping victory in March 18 Governorship and House of Assembly polls.
The event which was held at the State Headquarters of INEC in Calabar, the sate capital, witnessed a large turnout of Cross Riverians, traditional rulers elderstatesmen , political leaders and members of the APC as well as supporters of Sen. Otu.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the State, Prof. Gabriel Yomere in a brief remark said the event was in line with the required constitutional provision.
He noted that issuance of Certificate of Return also signaled the end of the 2023 elections in the state, insisting that the exercise was in compliance with section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) which empowers the Commission to issue Certificates of Return to elected officials within 14 days after an election.
In his brief response after receivin his Certificate of Return, the Governor-elect, Sen Otu, commended the commission and various security agencies for their neutrality through out the electoral process, while assuring the people of the state of his resolve to work hard for the progress and prosperity of Cross River.
“I want to thank God so much for a day like this, I want to also commend INEC for a job Weldone I know it was not easy for them, but I can say that INEC performed very well this time.
“The task of transition is not very easy, when you wear the shoe, you will understand that it is not very easy. Let me thank Cross Riverians and non Cross Riverians for contributing to this success and by the grace of God, I will not disappoint you” he said.
Shortly after the event, Sen. Bassey Otu drove round major streets of Calabar, acknowledging cheers from jubilant crowd who waved excitedly in admiration of the governor-elect.
25 elected members of the State House of Assembly also received their Certificate of Return.
Senator Otu, who is fondly called Sweet Prince, due to his humanitarian disposition would be sworn in on May, 29, 2023 as the 5th democratically elected Governor of the State in Nigeria’s fourth republic.
