Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello, on Wednesday said the state is gradually becoming a model of what is expected of an ideal democratic system.

The Governor stated this in Minna, the state capital, when he received the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner and the Governor-elect in the 2019 governorship elections.

The Governor also exhibited magnanimity in victory by extending olive branch to all his opponents at the election to join hands with him to take the state to the next level.

Governor Sani-Bello, who commended the people of the state for conducting themselves in a good and peaceful manner during the general elections, attributed his resounding victory to the people.

He said: “Gradually we are becoming a model of an ideal democracy in Nigeria, as we can all see, some people are still grappling with different challenges in the aftermath of the elections. I therefore thank all Nigerlites for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during the election and exercising their civic rights in an atmosphere of peace, regard for divergent political interests and respect for constituted authorities in the last elections.”

“I may have won your votes but it is you, the people, who won the election. The true winners are the people of Niger State who in your numbers renewed my mandate to serve you for the next four years. I accept this victory on your behalf.

“Let me once again thank all Nigerlites for the resounding support that led to our victory at the polls in the just concluded general elections. I thank you all very deeply for re-electing me for the second term as the Governor of Niger State.”

The Governor also commended INEC for living up to the expectations of Nigerians, “thereby keeping the hope of the country alive for a brighter democracy”, and security agencies for handling the difficult task of securing the personnel and materials during the election period.

He called on all the other gubernatorial candidates in the state, especially the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Umar Nsako, to join hands with him in building and moving the state to the next level.

INEC National Commissioner, Professor Anthonia Simbine, congratulated the people of the state for the good conduct displayed during the 2019 elections and noted that the state remain one of the few states where significant cases of violence and infractions worthy of commanding national attention did not take place.

Professor Anthonia Simbine who is also in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna and Plateau States noted that “the reality that our democracy is deepening incrementally, having conducted six successive elections without an interregnum”. He added that “there is improved integrity in the electoral system.”

While congratulating the Governor for his re-election as the Governor of the state, she encouraged the Governor to ensure that he delivers more on the material benefit to the people in order to fulfill their expectations.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sam Egwu, had earlier commended the people of the state for displaying maturity and conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the 2019 general elections.

He also commended the INEC officials for ensuring the implementation of the process during the elections.

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