By Peter Duru
Senator George Akume of the Action Congress of Nigeria ACN, representing Benue North West senatorial district at the National Assembly was conspicuously absent at the presentation of certificate of returns to all candidates who won their election at the last general election in Benue state.

No reason was given for the former governor’s absence at the ceremony, however all successful candidates at the last polls graced the occasion to collect their certificates.

Meanwhile Senator David Mark, Governor Gabriel Suswam and former PDP national Chairman, Chief Barnabas Gemade were among the recipients of the INEC certificate.

Performing the presentation ceremony in Makurdi, the National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in-charge of Benue, Ebonyi and Abia States Mr. Philip Umeadi declared that the Commission would not bask so much in the euphoria of conducting an election adjudged to be credible, regretting that the just concluded elections was still marred by irregularities.

Mr. Umeadi noted that the ‘malpractices insulted our sensibilities as a nation”.

He insisted that the Commission did not conduct the elections alone as other stakeholders should also share in the success and blames in its failures and urged them to ensure a more credible election next time.

The INEC Commissioner also advised the elected politicians to appreciate the demand of their offices by ensuring that they offer effective and efficient representation to the people.

Earlier, the State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Alh. Nasir Ayilara said the Commission strived hard to restore the confidence of the electorates in the electoral process by conducting a transparent election that has been adjudged free and fair by International and domestic observers.

He commended the support of the political leaders and the corps members for their patriotic spirit in the exercise.