Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano on Wednesday in Awka received the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory at last Saturday’s governorship poll.

The certificate was handed over to him by the National Commissioner in charge of INEC’s legal services, May Agbamuche, who represented the National Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu.

The event, which took place at INEC office in Awka, attracted high ranking members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Speaking after receiving the certificate, Obiano hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring a free, fair and credible election in the state.

He commended the various security agencies for living up to their duty of promoting a rancor-free election.

Obiano said that he would use the second term tenure to work more and better for the benefit of the state saying: “Our total victory is a call for us to do better and work harder. For the trust you repose in me, I will not disappoint you. We will work better this time around.”

While calling on those who lost the election to join him in moving the state forward, the Governor said: “This is the moment. I’m very happy to be here to pick my certificate of return with my deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke to run the affairs of the state for the next four years.

“I thank God for making it 21 over 21, and I sincerely thank our President, Muhammadu Buhari for allowing a free and fair election.

“I want to assure that APGA will be a formidable force in the political space in Nigeria from now on.

“We are going to make sure that Anambra continues to shine. I’m not going to fail with my deputy and the people of Anambra. We are going to work harder in making sure that our victory was not in vain.”

However, he declared that the state was bigger than anyone, adding that those who contested against him should join hands to make it great.

Agbamuche said the Commission was encouraged with what happened in the Anambra State election

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji had described the success of the election a collective one, adding that every unit in INEC was on their toes.

He urged people not to allow the outcome of the election to divide them but it should be an avenue for unity.

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