INEC presents Certificate of Return, as Okorocha kicks

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) on Thursday presented Certificate of Return to candidates who won election to represent their constituents in the national assembly.

Findings revealed that Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha who had earlier won the election to represent Imo West senatorial district was absent at the ceremony.

An indication that he would be denied the certificate of return emerged on Tuesday when his name was missing on the INEC website which displayed names of federal lawmakers ahead of yesterday’s event.

The Commission action may not be unconnected with the startling revelation of its  Returning Officer for the Imo West senatorial election, Professor  Innocent Ibeawuchi,  who alleged that he was forced to declare Governor Rochas Okorocha the winner of the poll by the supporters of the All Progressives Congress candidate.

Ibeawuchi had told newsmen in Owerri, Imo state capital, that he was held hostage by supporters of Governor Okorocha and because he feared for his life he had to announce the result which he claimed was inconclusive,  because of the electoral fraud in eight local councils.

But speaking with newsmen on Thursday at the Imo State Government Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja Governor Okorocha feigned ignorance of why he was excluded from the colourful ceremony which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

He said:” I was conspicuously absent at the certificate issuance ceremony. I wasn’t there because INEC decided to remove my name from the list of senators, having been declared the winner by the zonal returning officer. I am told that my name is no longer there. So I am actually waiting to hear, as to why: what is the reason INEC removed my name?

“INEC must be trying to do something special to give me my certificate because I understand once the result has been declared and you have won, you are entitled to your certificate of return. INEC has exempted me and I am in darkness as to the reason why I am not invited to collect my certificate of return. Maybe they want to organise a special programme for me to hand over my certificate.”

Prodded by newsmen, Governor Okorocha dismissed the claim of Professor  Innocent Ibeawuchi, that he was forced to declare him winner under duress.

“I am told the reason was the word duress. In other words, somebody caused the returning officer from doing what he was supposed to do. Here again, I don’t understand what that means because there was nothing of such. How can you put somebody on duress to declare the winner when he has actually won?

“They aren’t saying that we didn’t win, the other gentleman lost the election. Why should I be the person doing something wrong?

I think it is a game being played by the REC in Imo state, it has been long for a very long time and the script is so funny, it is so crude and they are executing it in a funny way.”

Earlier in his remarks, INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu urged the elected federal lawmakers to be alive to their responsibility in initiating laws that would inspire confidence in democracy, particularly smooth conduct of elections in the country.

He said:” There is a lot of work but very little time available. As a process governed by law, the success of elections in Nigeria depends to a large extent on the electoral legal framework and most importantly in ensuring adherence to the law.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to work with national assembly to review and strengthen our electoral law.

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“But, I want to appeal to the senators-elect to please start work early and conclude work on the electoral framework in a good time well ahead of the 2023 general elections.

” The tendency to delay electoral reform particularly the review of electoral framework until it is too close to the elections,  leave the commission with little time to develop processes including regulations and guidelines, make required consultations with stakeholders, embark on effective voter’s education including sensitisation, train staff and organise deployment for the elections.

“I  am glad that among the senators-elect are senators that we have worked very closely with and some of them have taken initiative or even sponsoring private member bills to advance the cause of electoral reform.

“We look forward to working very closely with you in the next Senate. However, all these are matters to be considered. I hope we will do so in earnest  but today is your day I congratulate you and I wish you well in the service of our dear nation.”