Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, his deputy, Barr. Abdulroheem Bayo Lawal and the 32 Oyo House of Assembly members-elect, on Wednesday, received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Oyo and Lagos states, Mr. Sam Olumekun, presented the certificates to the winners of the March 18 Governorship and House of Assembly election in the state, at an event held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Governor Makinde, who spoke shortly after receiving the Certificate of Return, declared that he will redouble efforts towards taking the people of the state from poverty to prosperity.

The governor maintained that electioneering campaigns were over and it was time for the government to face the task of governance and building a state that will be the envy of all other states in Nigeria.

He appreciated the Resident Electoral Commissioner and his team, saying that the election in the state is a good reference point for elections across the country.

He said: “Today is not a day for long speeches but a day to thank the Almighty God on behalf of all the elected officials in Oyo State.

“I want to use this opportunity to say that elections, electioneering campaigns are over now. No more abuses and all that, and it is time for us to face the task of governance and building a state that will be an envy for all the states in Nigeria.

“This is the time for us to redouble our efforts towards taking our people from poverty to prosperity. This is a day to reflect on the decision of the people of Oyo State. It is a day to acknowledge all the people who have contributed one way or another to making today a success.

“I want to especially appreciate the Resident Electoral Commissioner and his team, because the Oyo State election is a reference point for elections right across the country. My co-contestants have congratulated me, and I received a call personally from my brother, Bayo Adelabu, and we got a notice from Senator Teslim Folarin as well. That is the spirit in Oyo State.

“Let me finally say thank you to my leaders and elders.”

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oyo State, Dr. Adeniran Tella, said that the commission is mandated by law to issue certificates of return within 14 days, to every candidate who has been returned elected.

“The electoral event is specifically designed for the presentation of certificates of return to the governor-elect, deputy governor-elect and 32 elected members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, for which the election took place on March 18 in the Pacesetter State