The Abia State Governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti of the Labour Party, LP has assured the outgoing administration in the state that he will not be vindictive.
Otti handed down this assurance in Umuahia after he and his deputy, Mr. Agwu received their Certificates of Return, CoR from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Wednesday in Umuahia.
Otti extended an olive branch to those who contested the elections to come and work with him to produce a new Abia, He however warned those who looted funds or in possession of any government property to return so with immediate effect as Abia would not be used as collateral.
He appreciating the governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his magnanimity for asking for no litigations, and urged him not to do anything that will cause unnecessary tension in the state and asked for peace in the state to be sustained.
The Governor-elect further described the occasion as the final process of the journey with INEC following his declaration as the winner of the elections held on March 18th, 2023 while commending INEC for a job well done.
The declaration, he said, puts a huge responsibility on him as it is something that can’t be taken for granted noting that Abians had always waited for the sound of a new song which he represents, adding that the trust bestowed on them will not be betrayed and promise not to disappoint them.
He commended the INEC over the conduct of the election and the state Returning Officer, Prof. Nnenna N. Otti who he said, “put on record her forthrightness”.
Earlier, while issuing the CoRs to the Governor-elect and his Deputy, at the INEC state headquarters in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, the National Commissioner, INEC, Festus Okoye noted that the conduct of a good, verifiable and an election that meets both national and international standard by the commission is multi-faceted as no single institution does it alone as it is expedient to the democratic development of a society.
He noted that democracy is grown and nurtured to advance the society while commending Abians for standing, believing and protecting the democratic institution.
He commended the media for their roles in achieving credible polls and prayed them to justify the confidence reposed on them by the people.