Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described Thursday morning’s verdict by the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirming his election as Rivers State Governor as a “victory for the entire Rivers State.”
The five-member Apex Court panel, headed by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, dismissed the appeal of Patrick Tonye-Cole, deeming it lacking in merit.
Both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court, in concurrent judgments, dismissed Mr. Cole’s case for lacking merit and failing to provide credible evidence to prove allegations of non-qualification, corrupt practices, and non-compliance, thereby affirming Fubara’s electoral victory.
The Supreme Court, in its Thursday judgment, also upheld the decision of the Appellate Court on the grounds that the APC governorship candidate failed to prove his allegations of over-voting and non-compliance leveled against the Rivers State governor.
Speaking at the government house after the ruling, Governor 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 to this, we have had a few distractions here and there.”
The Governor said his triumph at the Supreme Court has laid to rest the legal battles that added to the distractions his administration grappled with in the last eight months.
He declared his resolve to remain committed to the purpose for which he was elected, stating that he would not allow anything to distract governance.
“The good news that came to us this morning is a refreshing strength that will encourage us to continue the good works in governance.”
Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to God for His help and to President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role concerning the internal crisis and the litigation against his election.
Sir Fubara also extended gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), whom he described as his “Oga,” for all his support.
He 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.
“We have a dream of making it a highly competitive state that will measure, if not up to Lagos, at least close to becoming like Lagos. We can only achieve this in an atmosphere of peace.”
“So I am calling on everyone, not just on our internal issue but those members from other parties; the issue is settled. Come and let’s build the Rivers State of our dream.”
“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.”