BARIGA COUNCILLORSHIP BY-ELECTION: LASIEC PRESENTS CERTIFICATE OF RETURN TO WINNER TODAY.{PHOTOS}.#PRESS RELEASE.

 
      The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has presented a Certificate of Return to Mr. Olufemi Nurudeen Sowande, the winner of the Councillorship by-election into Ward C (Owode-Orile) in Bariga Local Council Development Area of the State, held on Tuesday.

While congratulating the newly elected Councillor, the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips urged him to be magnanimous in victory, adding that with the mandate he had been given through his victory, he was expected to represent the collective interests of the entire constituents of the area regardless of any political differences.

The Chairman, represented by an Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Olusegun Ayedun, urged the newly elected Councillor to demonstrate a commitment to the service of the people not only in his Ward but in his Local Council Development Area as a whole.

Speaking on voters turn-out for the election, Justice Phillips pointed out that the Commission observed voter apathy during the exercise, suggesting that many eligible voters in the area felt so unconcerned about the election which resulted in many staying away from the polls.

She said, "If we agree that democracy is about majority rule, we must all work together to ensure that people elected into political offices are actually elected by a majority of the eligible residents of a community".

The Chairman, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders, particularly leaders of political parties, to complement the efforts of the Commission on voter education and sensitisation with a view to increasing participation in the electoral process by eligible residents of the State.

In his response after receiving his Certificate of Return, Mr. Sowande commended the Commission for providing a conducive atmosphere for a free, fair and credible election.

He also expressed appreciation to his political leaders and supporters for standing by him before, during and after the election, promising that he would work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people.