On Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued certificates of return to 25 elected members of the Ekiti House of Assembly.

Abayomi Salami, the INEC resident electoral commissioner in the state, presented the certificates to the members-elect, except the certificate of return for the Ido-Osi constituency 1, whose polls were declared inconclusive.

Mr Salami commended Ekiti residents on their peaceful conduct during the 2023 general election.

“I want to appreciate all the stakeholders in the political parties and all of you who have cooperated and collaborated to ensure that we have a very peaceful election in Ekiti state. If you follow what is going on in the country, you will find out that Ekiti state is one of the most peaceful states during this election,” the INEC official stated.

He added, “That couldn’t have been achieved by INEC without the peoples’ cooperation and understanding and commitment. To this extent, we want to appreciate you all.”

Mr Salami called on the members-elect to work harder not only for the state and the nation at large.

“I wish all of you a successful tenure even as you commence your terms in office after May 29,” he said.

Hakeem Jamiu, the deputy speaker of the Ekiti assembly, representing Irepodun/Ifelodun II, who also received the certificate, congratulated and commended INEC for a job well done.

Mr Jamiu said the election was one of the most transparent elections in the state’s history. He congratulated his colleagues on their victory and wished them a very successful and fruitful tenure.

The lawmaker noted that Ekiti had about the highest number of females as legislators in the country, with nine women.

“The most important feature of the election is that Ekiti state returned the highest number of women in the whole country. We have nine certificates of return presented to women who will be representing the people. This is highly commendable,” he said.

(NAN)