Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, has emphasized that his recent triumph at the Supreme Court marks the conclusive end to the legal challenges that had contributed to the distractions faced by his administration over the past eight months.
Despite this victory, Fubara asserted his unwavering commitment to the objectives for which he was elected, emphasizing his determination to steer clear of any disruptions to the governance of the state.
In a recent development, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal presented by Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the Rivers State governorship election, who sought to remove Fubara from the position of governor.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, dismissed Cole’s appeal on Thursday. The five-member panel concluded that the appellant failed to substantiate his claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the election.
Cole’s allegations included irregularities in the election process and the contention that Fubara had not validly resigned from his previous position, as mandated by the law, before participating in the election. Both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal had previously rejected his case on the grounds of lacking 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.
“We have a dream of making it a highly competitive state that will measure, if not up to Lagos but 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 continue to protect and provide the basic needs of governance to everyone who is doing business and who lives in Rivers State.
“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.
