The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, advised lawmakers-designate in Ekiti State, to promote equity and justice when inaugurated as members of the House of Assembly.
The electoral commission said the essence of the legislature is to strengthen constitutionality and the rule of law by making laws for the good governance, and urged the incoming legislators not to derail from this norm.
The Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Ekiti State, Dr. Muslim Omoleke spoke in Ado-Ekiti while presenting certificates of return to the 26 legislators-designate elected during the March 9 and 23 assembly polls.
The event was attended by the Police Commissioner, Mr Asuquo Amba and other security chiefs in the state, APC chieftains, traditional rulers and elder statesmen.
All the 26 lawmakers-elect are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing the elected officials, Omoleke said: “Legislature is a critical arm of government, because it makes laws to regulate the business of governance, so don’t do anything that will be repugnant to democracy, equity and justice.
“Don’t enact laws that will be antithetical to the 1999/constitution, because it remains the grand norm. Make sure you make laws that will promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
“We are not also unmindful of the doctrine of separation of powers. But you must cooperate with the executive to make Ekiti greater than it is,” he advised.
Congratulating the elected individuals, Omoleke said the 2019 elections were largely successful due to ICT innovations introduced by the INEC national Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.
“Prof Yakubu brought series of innovations into the electoral system. He had moved the conduct of elections from analogue to digital level and this was novel in the history of our country.
“Part of his innovation was the way accreditation and voting were being done simultaneously.
“He also encouraged and upgraded the use of smart card readers to ensure transparency in our elections,” the REC said.
