Oyebanji receives certificate of return, pledges improved governance
File photo: Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
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Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress candidate in last Saturday’s Ekiti governorship election, Biodun Oyebanji, has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The governor, alongside his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, pledged to deepen good governance and accelerate sustainable development across the state during his second term, which will begin in October.
The certificates of return were presented to Oyebanji and Afuye by the National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Lagos and Ekiti states, Mr Sam Olumekun, at the INEC office in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Tuesday.
INEC had, in the early hours of Sunday, declared Oyebanji the winner of the June 20 governorship election after he polled 319,224 votes to defeat other candidates.
Speaking shortly after receiving the certificate at the event, which witnessed a large crowd of supporters, Oyebanji, accompanied by his wife, Olayemi, expressed appreciation to the people of Ekiti for renewing his mandate.
The governor, who described the outcome of the election as a strong vote of confidence in his administration, said his second term would focus on consolidating existing achievements while implementing policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, stimulating economic growth, and strengthening infrastructure across the state.
He said, “Let me first appreciate God for His faithfulness; today would not have been possible without Him. After God, I must acknowledge the support of President Bola Tinubu, particularly for his courage in signing the new Electoral Act into law.
“I commend INEC, security agencies and electoral officials for their professionalism and commitment to delivering a peaceful, free and credible election.”
Oyebanji, who noted that the election was the first to be conducted under the amended Electoral Act, added: “The improvement in INEC’s performance is evident. The commission deserves commendation for its professionalism, fairness and transparency.”
The governor, who lauded Ekiti people for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, stressed that the victory belonged to all residents of the state.
He also reiterated his call on other contestants to join hands with his administration in advancing the development of Ekiti.
Speaking earlier, INEC National Commissioner, Olumekun, praised the peaceful conduct of Ekiti residents, describing the election as “a model of democratic practice.”
Olumekun also appreciated security agencies and stakeholders for their roles in the successful conduct of the poll, and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, congratulated Oyebanji on his victory, noting that the certificate of return symbolises not just electoral success but also the trust and expectations placed on him by the people.
Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; senator representing Ekiti North and Director-General of the campaign council, Cyril Fasuyi; and the APC state chairman, Sola Elesin.
Others were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habitat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; members of the State Executive Council, members of the state House of Assembly, and local government chairmen, among others.
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