BOSSTYCOONZ

Aninri Constituency By-Election: INEC Presents Certificate Of Return To Ekweremadu In Enugu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday presented Certificate of Return to Chief Mathias Ekweremadu, as Enugu State House of Assembly member-elect for Aninri Constituency.

Ekweremadu (PDP) polled 7,556 votes to defeat his opponent, Mr Collins Obasi of the National Conscience Party (NCP) who polled 117 votes in a by-election conducted on Nov. 23 at the constituency.
Ekweremadu replaced Chief Abel Chukwu who got an appointment at the National Assembly Commission, Abuja.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, in Enugu State, Dr Lawrence Azubuike, said the by-election was conducted following a letter dated Oct. 29, from the Clerk of the assembly which declared Aninri seat vacant.
He said in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the commission conducted the election within 30 days it received the letter from the assembly.
The commissioner described the election as “free and fair’’, adding that it indicated a return to the high standards of INEC despite the lapses that trailed the Nov. 16 governorship election in Anambra.
“Though the by-election in Aninri was not as complex as that of Anambra, it however, shows the determination of INEC to return to the lofty heights of the past and to meet the high expectations of the people.
“The commission’s leadership remains competent, credible, able and ready to exceed commendable performances recorded in recent elections,’’ he said.
While congratulating the member-elect, Azubuike urged him to use his position to give good representation to the people of his constituency.
In his response, Ekweremadu commended INEC for a peaceful conduct of the by-election, and urged Nigerians to have confidence in the commission despite its challenges.
He promised to impact on the lives of the people of his constituency through people oriented bills and motions in the assembly.
The Chairman of Aninri Local Government, Chief Nwabueze Nwobodo, and the PDP Chairman in the council, Mr Uchechukwu Ogbonna, expressed appreciation at the peaceful conduct of the election.
They urged Ekweremadu to work together with the executive arm and the council in ensuring peace and development of the state. (NAN)