As Governor Lalong, Deputy Governor Elect, Sonny Tyoden Received Certificates Of Return, REC Halilu Pai Speaks On The Symbol Of The Presentation.
By Moses Gbande
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Plateau State Mallam Haussaini Halilu Pai, says the symbolic issuance of Certificates of Return to the Elected Representatives is to remind them of their enermous responsibilties to the electorates.
Halilu Pai who disclosed this on Friday during the presentation of certificates of return to Governor Simon Lalong, Deputy governor elect, Prof. Sonny Tyoden and the 23 house of Assembly members Elects, said the presentation Is a requirement of law provided in Section 75, subsection one of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
“It is to confirm and provide evidence to the recipients and the public as to who the winners are in line with the law. It Is also an occasion to acknowledge the enormous responsibilities expected of them”.
He mentioned that periodic etecttons is a cornerstone of democratic government, “The essence is to provide the electorate, who have the sovereignty and the opportunity (using the ballot) to compensate or withdraw the mandate given to on office holder or elect new one. Public offce is a pubiic trust which is subject to revalidation every four years”.
He commended those
who were elected or re-elected and wish them successful tenure. “We hope you will not forget the immense trust reposed in you. While some of you are fortunate to be here this morning, it is unfortunate that one of you Mr. Ezekiel B. Afon could not make it because he died shortly after he was declared as the winner of the Pengana State Assembly Constituency election (May his soul rest in peace).
“I also wish to congratulate and appreciate our critical stakeholders who collaborated and supported us throughout the Electoral process which brought us to this happy moment. These stakeholders include the Security Agencies the is to say, the inter Agency Consultative Committee and Election Security (ICCES) under the leadership of the Chairman who is the Commissioner of Police, Other members are DSS, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Immigration, Federal Road Safety Corps, NDLEA, Prisons, Army, Air Force, Customs. the National Orientation Agency and the NYSC. We are all witnesses to the peoceful atmosphere provided by the security agencies which made our Election on the Plateau one of the most peaceful in the Country.
“To our traditional rulers and religious leaders, we appreciate you all for the very important roles you played in calming down the tensed atmosphere during Political Parties rallies and campaigns which included organizing Peace Accord where parties and candidates signed undertakings for peaceful campaigns devoid of hate speeches and accepting the outcome of the result in a peaceful and non
violent manner.
“We also appreciate the roles played by IPAC, Civil Societies, NGOs, Domestic and International Observers, the Media, Youths, women and indeed many others who contributed in one way or the other to the success of the Elections.
“It is tmportont to state that for a free, fair, credible and peaceful elections
to be accomplished, all stakeholders must continue to work together. We shall always rely on our critical stakeholders for their support, cooperation and understanding at all times”.
Nasarawa Reporters 