INEC issues certificate of returns to senators, tasks them on electoral reforms

The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the issuance of the certificates is a statutory function to validate the electoral victory of the lawmakers before they would be sworn in at the inauguration of the incoming 9th National Assembly. According to him, the commission will immediately commenced the post 2019 election activities and also begin preparation for the 2023 General Elections. He also tasked the lawmakers to commence and conclude legislative actions on the amendments of the electoral laws. He said that passage of laws few weeks to election dates are not in the interest of the nations democratic development. Daily Trust reports that while the issuance of certificates to the senators-elect are ongoing, the House of Representatives elects would be done later in the afternoon. There was rowdiness at the roads and entrances to the centre, with security agents especially the Police and the SSS having hectic time to control the surging crowd of people wanting to gain entrance to the centre.]]>