Percy OnyekaSiminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, claims that the legal disputes that had been a source of distraction for his administration over the previous eight months had been resolved as a result of his Supreme Court triumph.
Nonetheless, he vowed to stick to the reason he was elected and that he would not let anything divert attention from the state’s government.
Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress candidate for governor of Rivers State, had his appeal denied by the Supreme Court on Thursday.
Cole petitioned the supreme court to remove Fubara from office as state governor.
Reading the lead judgment on Thursday, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa dismissed Cole’s appeal.
The five-man panel of the apex court in a unanimous decision held that the appellant failed to prove his allegations that there was non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the election.
He alleged that the election was marred by irregularities and that Fubara did not validly resign his previous position as required by the law, before the election.
Both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal dismissed his case for want of merit.
But reacting to the Supreme Court judgment which affirmed his election in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Fubara said, “About an hour ago, the Supreme Court revalidated our mandate in the election. It is a victory for the entire state.
“It is important for us to note that we need this victory to consolidate the purpose of governance. Prior, we have had a few distractions here and there.
“And the good news that came to us this morning is a refreshing strength that will encourage us to continue the good works in governance.”
Fubara thanked God and President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role concerning the internal crisis and the litigation against his election.
He also extended gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as his “Oga” for all his support.
The governor called on everyone to join hands with his administration to build a competitive state that will be reckoned with as truly prosperous in all ramifications.
Our goal is to elevate the state to a level of competitiveness that is comparable to, if not better than, Lagos. This is only possible in a peaceful environment.
Therefore, I’m calling on everyone—not only those involved in our internal dispute, but also those from other parties—to join me in creating the Rivers State of our dreams now that the dispute has been resolved.
“Everyone who lives or conducts business in Rivers State will continue to be protected and given access to the necessities of governance.”
“We will address our state very soon on the victory, but for now, let everybody be happy that one elephant is out of the road, the other one, by God’s help, will be resolved amicably and the family will be one,” he said.
Techrectory with Agency Report
