The Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Mr. Edwin Nwatarali, yesterday insisted that the commission had no power to cancel any election result already announced by INEC returning officer by way of altering the names.

Speaking at the occasion of issuance of Certificate of Return to winners of the April 28 National Assembly election, the REC called on those who felt aggrieved over the outcome of the national assembly election in Anambra State to pursue their matter at the election petition tribunal.

“If anybody has any complaint against the election, he or she should go to the tribunal. It is not in the interest of INEC to cancel any election and I do not even have powers to alter any result that has been declared by the returning officer.

“INEC is always ready to obey court orders and once it receives such an order, there is no other option than obeying the order.

“People should therefore not pressurise the commission to do what it has no powers to do. I have since after the election been receiving all manner of calls, some threatening me, in fact, it is only God that has not called me,” he said.

The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Anambra, Enugu and Imo States, Chief Lawrence Nwuruku advised those who lost to realise that power comes from God.

“People should not kill because they did not win election. Politicians should always take politics as sports which one can either win or lose.

“I have personally contested many elections, lost some and won some but we should learn to follow the principles of the bible and know that when failure comes, it may be the will of God,” he said.

Those who collected their certificates for senatorial slot include Senator Andy Uba for Anambra South, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife for Anambra Central and Mrs. Stella Oduah for Anambra North.

Those for the House of Representatives were Peter Madubueze (Anambra East and West), Gabriel Onyenweife (Ayamelum/Oyi), Anayo Nnebe (Awka North and South), Eucharia Azodo (Aguata), Emeka Iduu (Onitsha North/South), Chuu Onyema (Ogbaru) and Obinna Chidoka (Idemili North and South), Emeka Anohu (Ihiala) and Chris Azubogu (Nnewi North and South/Ekwusigo).

The House of Representative-elect for Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia, Dr. Okey Eze, was the only winner who was not present at the occasion while that of Orumba North and South is under litigation.

Also, the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who was present at the occasion, said that the winners were the best crop of candidates that can adequately represent the state.

He maintained that the national assembly election was free and fair and held without rancour, and commended the Anambra electorate for their wise decision.

Similarly, the member, representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency at the House of Representative, said that crossing over from the Green House to the Red House was a bigger task she would handle efficiently while carrying the people of the zone that elected her along.

She dedicated the certificate to those who voted for her, saying that without them, it would not have been a smooth ride.

Ekwunife also promised to provide dividends of democracy to the people of her zone.

She called on those that lost to accept failure and join hands to take the zone to higher height.

•Photo shows INEC

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