Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River State on Monday issued a Certificate of Return to Mrs Stella Nkoro of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of November 17 bye-election into Ikom II State Constituency.

State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Frankland Briyai, said Nkoro was the only candidate that stood for the election and was, therefore, declared winner.

The seat became vacant following the death of Mrs Nkoro’s husband, Simon Nkoro, last August.

Mrs Nkoro now becomes the second member in 2018 to take her late husband’s seat in Cross River House Assembly.

“The bye-election was not contested as only one candidate (PDP) met the requirement.

“In line with Section 41 of the 2010 Electoral Act (As Amended), Stella Nkoro was declared (the) winner of the election,” he said.

He urged the winner to exhibit a high sense of responsibility in the discharge of her duty as an honourable member of the State House of Assembly.

Responding, Nkoro thanked INEC and other stakeholders for making the election successful, adding that she would replicate her husband’s virtue by representing people of the constituency well.

NAN