By Onome Oghenetega
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given reasons why Certificates of Return four members-elect into the Delta State House of Assembly including those three APC lawmakers-elect were withheld.
Certificates of Return for the three APC members-elect withheld during the presentation of certificates to winners of the March 9 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in the state on Wednesday.
They are Anidi Emosivwe for Ethiope East constituency, Charles Whomorho for Ughelli North I constituency and Egbo Jaro for Ughelli North II constituency.
Also withheld is that of member-elect on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ocho Christopher for Ukwuani constituency.
Giving reasons for the decision, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Delta, Cross River and Akwa-Ibom states, Mohammed Lecky, said the lawmakers in-waiting were not presented with their certificates because of some court judgements.
Lecky stated that subsisting court cases against the potential legislators could not allow the commission to present them with their certificates of return.
Similarly, the incumbent Deputy Speaker of the Delta Assembly, Friday Osanebi, who was absent at the presentation ceremony was equally not given.
Osanebi, who was re-elected on the platform of the PDP for Ndokwa East constituency, is said to be n vacation outside the country.
Meanwhile, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Cyril Omorogbe has security agencies were on the trial of persons who were alleged to be involved in the destruction of electoral property during the elections.
Omorogbe, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Felix Enabor, said the presentation of certificates is the culmination of the general elections in the state.
Omorogbe congratulated the political parties and their candidates in the state for exhibiting high level of decorum and restraint throughout the elections.
He added: “It is worth noting that the commission in Delta State has received a number if requests for CTC of election materials and we are working within the legal framework covering such activities to respond as they come.”
