THE former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has expressed happiness over the issuance of his Certificate of Return as senator-elect from Imo state.

In a statement by his media aide, Sam Onwuemedo, in Owerri, Okorocha commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for issuing him a certificate of return.

He also appreciated the returning officer who had declared him winner under duress, saying that such, had attracted both national, international attention and public sympathy.

INEC had on Tuesday at the directive of a high court sitting in Imo state, presided by Ngozi Ukoha refused  Okorocha the Certificate of Return as senator-elect.

The election body expressed concern that, “If electoral impunity is allowed to flourish, any individual can harass, intimidate and put the Commission’s officers under duress, procure a favourable declaration and be rewarded with a Certificate of Return,” INEC said.

The INEC took the decision owing to reports that he was declared winner under duress, as stated by the returning officer.

The director of voter education and publicity, INEC, Festus Okoye, on Tuesday said the commission was reserved over the court directives because the final verdict relied on the federal high court, Abuja.

The  Abuja court has asked the INEC to issue Okorocha the certificate, and the election body has complied.