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  • Tinubu’s support keeping us on our feet, Fubara tells loyalists

    Tinubu’s support keeping us on our feet, Fubara tells loyalists

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday attributed his survival in office to the support of President Bola Tinubu.

    The governor, who reflected on the protracted crisis that has engulfed the state, also said that God has used party leaders to promote his cause.

    He acknowledged that he has been distracted by the crisis and provoked by those behind the impasse.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reiterated its confidence in the governor, saying that he embodies the aspirations of the people

    Fubara spoke at  St. Paul’s Anglican Church, in his Opobo Town in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area during a thanksgiving to celebrate his victory at the Supreme Court.

    The occasion also coincided with his 49th birthday.

    Thanking the people for their support, hee said: “When I look at your faces, even when I feel heavy in my spirit, I’m encouraged to be happy.

    “It has not been easy, I can say it. A lot of people who started this journey with us ought to have been here with us. But unfortunately,  they are not here. God knows why. We can’t question the Almighty.

    “But one thing we can’t take away (is that) God does not make any mistake. Whatever happens, when it happens, it is for a purpose.

    “I’m happy to return this glory to God Almighty, to say thank you God, and give me extra energy to continue with the battle. But no battle can be bigger than God.”

    The governor thanked President Tinubu, other party leaders, members of his family and stakeholders.

    He said: “I want to thank God first. Our dear President, he’s been great and wonderful father. He has supported and I can say it without being economical with the truth that we are standing here is because of his support.

    Read Also: US professor accidentally shot dead by security bidding him ‘goodbye’ in Osun

    “I want to thank again, my family. They are suffering. That’s the truth because of this cause. You just have to be strong and understand that after a while, you’ll get me back. But for now, these (Rivers) people are the ones that own me.

    “I want to thank our leaders that are here and the ones that are not here for all your support, before this journey started, while the journey was on and also now, that we  have gotten victory to validate your mandate.

    “I want to thank specially, the good people of Rivers State who remained firm in the face of provocation to say we stand by the truth.

    “We have had a lot of distractions, but I strongly believe that while we navigate the path of peace, prayer is also needed for us to pass over this phase. Continue to put us in your prayers. There is nothing that God cannot do”.

    Speaking about his 49th birthday, Fubara said: “It’s just a coincidence, actually my birthday, I didn’t plan it but the organiser of the programme has to fix in the birthday.

    “I’m also thanking God for this wonderful day. Maybe I’ll take the birthday happiness to make myself more happier. In all, I just want to ask that we all continue to pray for peace.”

    ‘God used party leaders to promote me’

    Fubara attributed his promotion and current status to God,  saying that He hss used party leaders to elevate him.

    He said having been promoted by God, he stirred the PDP leaders to present him as governorship candidate in last year’s poll.

    Fubara spoke at the 2024 Port Harcourt Holy Ghost Rally of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) with the theme: “Promotion for a purpose.”

    Speaking at the event which held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Igwurutali in Ikwerre Local Government Area, he described the theme as a personal gift.

    The governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Boniface Onyedi, said the theme directly reflected his story and expressed confidence in God to make it permanent.

    Fubara said: “I was promoted by God first, through my party and the leaders. So, promotion comes from God and God alone.”

    The governor expressed gratitude to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for his love for Rivers State as demonstrated by  the choice of Port Harcourt for the event.

    He said: “You have given much support to us. Your prayers have kept us going. I want to thank you specially for that, and to say that our government will continue to support this programme in this State.

    “It is important to mention that prayers cannot be enough. So, continue to pray for us so that the purpose of governance will be achieved in this State.”

    In his welcome address, the Intercontinental Youth Pastor of RCCG, Pastor Belemina Obunge, acknowledged the immense support RCCG had received from the state government to host the rally.

    Supreme Court victory: Rivers stakeholders hail Fubara

    Members of Rivers State Elders/Leaders Forum congratulated the governor on his victory at the Supreme Court.

    The elders, in their communique sihned by former Governor Rufud Ada-Georgd and nine other leaders after their meeting in Port-Harcourt, the state capital, lauded the apex court for the judgment.

    They said the verdict has reduced tension in the state and halted the prospects of dictatorship.

    The Forum urged the governor to deploy the resources of the state to its and rule with the fear of God.

    It said:”In this contest, there is no victor, no vanquished. All we crave for at this Forum is the sanctity of the laws of the country and the Rule of Law.

    “This judgment lays to rest the era of strong men, but protects and encourages strong and viable institutions.”

    The Leader of Oyibo chapter of  “Activate Sim”, a socio-political group, Dr.  Gift Okere, said the victory will engender development.

    He said: “For us in Oyibo, the victory , means a victory for Nigeria, democracy and Rivers State, particularly  the progressive minded people of the State.

    “We believe that the governor has started well , and we’re  calling on every youth to o rise up and support the ideology of the governor.”

    The convener of Rivers Peace Initiative,  Obinna Ebodigi, called for peace in the state.

    He said: “The unfortunate activities of the last few weeks have left our state tensed and sharply polarised. But as we navigate through the decision of the apex court today, it is important that we unite in a shared commitment to peace, understanding, and a collective pursuit of justice for all.”

    Fubara embodies PDP’s aspiration

    The PDP and its Gobernors’ Forum said Fubara embodied the aspiration of his people.

    In separate statements by the PDP National Publicity Secretary,  Mr. Debo Ologunagba, and the Director-General of PDP Governors’ Forum, Mr. COD Maduabum, they expressed confidence in his  leadership of Rivers State.

    Ologunagba said: “The people Democratic Party (PDP) family heartily congratulates the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as he celebrates his birthday today.

    “Governor Fubara is a humble, intelligent and visionary leader who embodies the common aspiration of the people of Rivers State in their determination to sustain peace, unity, and purposeful leadership in their State under the banner of the PDP.

    “Our Party celebrates Governor Fubara’s leadership capacity especially in hitting the ground running in the continued delivery of life-changing, people-oriented development programs and projects in the State in line with the vision, policy thrust and manifesto of the PDP.

    “On this special day, the PDP felicitates with Governor Fubara and prays to God to continue to protect and keep him in good health, sound mind and vitality in the service of his people.”

    The PDP Governors’ Forum described Fubara’s victory at the Supreme Court as a special birthday gift.

    Maduabum said: “The Forum joins his family, friends, and indeed, all the people of Rivers State, to give all gratitude to the Almighty God for his life, health, and wisdom in steering the ship of state in Rivers.

    “The Forum delightfully celebrates His Excellency’s January 25, 2024 Supreme Court victory, a unique birthday gift that has created the environment to fulfil his vision.

    “We are proud to mention his immediate initiatives on assumption of office as Governor of Rivers State through life impacting projects in education, trade and investment drive, civil service employment, improved workers’ welfare, healthcare service delivery, SME funding, security and safety – a wholesome transformation strategy for impactful service.

    “This progress is also being felt in the road construction and rehabilitation linking many Local Governments and urban renewal, youth and women empowerment, among others.”

    “The Forum acknowledges his wisdom in insisting on a peaceful atmosphere in Rivers State, a prerequisite for societal upliftment and economic growth.”

  • We are standing because of Tinubu’s support,  Fubara tells loyalists

    We are standing because of Tinubu’s support,  Fubara tells loyalists

    The Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has told his supporters that without President Bola Tinubu, they will not be standing for a thanksgiving to God over his victory at the Supreme Court.

    Fubara spoke at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, in his Opobo Town in Opobo/ Nkoro local government area on Sunday, January 28, during a special thanksgiving to celebrate his victory.

    Fubara was quoted to have said: “When I look at your faces, even when I feel heavy in my spirit, I’m encouraged to be happy.

    “It has not been easy, I can say it. A lot of people who started this journey with us ought to have been here with us but unfortunately they are not here. God knows why. We can’t question the Almighty.

    “But one thing we can’t take away (is that) God does not make any mistake. Whatever happens, when it happens, it is for a purpose.

    “I’m happy to return this glory to God Almighty, to say thank you God, and give me extra energy to continue with the battle. But no battle can be bigger than God.

    “I want to thank God first, our dear President, he’s been great and wonderful father. He has supported and I can say it without being economical with the truth that we are standing here is because of his support.

    “I want to thank again, my family. They are suffering, that’s the truth because of this cause. You just have to be strong and understand that after a while you’ll get me back. But for now, these (Rivers) people are the ones that own me.

    “I want to thank our leaders that are here and the ones that are not here for all your support, before this journey started, while the journey was on and also now, that we  have gotten victory to validate your mandate.

    Read Also: APC leader purchases WAEC, UTME forms for 600 Osun students

    “I want to thank specially, the good people of Rivers State who remained firm in the face of provocation to say we stand by the truth.

    “You might not have any title. You might not have any name but you have a very wonderful name (fill a space) in my heart and God knows what you’ve done and will bless you for it.

    “We came in, we were selected because they believed we have something that we will do for our State. We have not been given the opportunity to do those things that we ought to do for our State.

    “We have had a lot of distractions but I strongly believe that while we navigate the path of peace, prayer is also needed for us to pass over this phase. Continue to put us in your prayers. There is nothing that God cannot do”.

    Speaking about his 49th birthday, Fubara said: “It’s just a coincidence, actually my birthday, I didn’t plan it but the organiser of the programme has to fix in the birthday.

    “I’m also thanking God for this wonderful day. Maybe I’ll take the birthday happiness to make myself more happier.

    In all, I just want to ask that we all continue to pray for peace.”

    Details shortly…

  • Rivers elders’ forum, others hail Fubara over Supreme Court’s victory

    Rivers elders’ forum, others hail Fubara over Supreme Court’s victory

    The Rivers State elders/leaders’ forum, along with various groups and individuals in the state, have extended their congratulations to Governor Siminialayi Fubara on his recent victory at the Supreme Court. 

    In an eight-point communique issued following their review meeting on the judgment’s outcome, the elders expressed their congratulations to Fubara and commended the country’s apex court for resolving the election matter within the stipulated timeline. 

    The meeting took place in Port Harcourt, the state capital. 

    The resolution, signed by the group’s leader, former Governor Rufus Ada-George, and nine other prominent elders and leaders of the state, highlighted that the country’s decision has eased the political tension that gripped the state over the past four months and put an end to dictatorship in the state.

  • God used party, leaders to promote me, says Fubara 

    God used party, leaders to promote me, says Fubara 

    Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has attributed his promotions and current political position to God, saying God used his party and leaders to elevate him.

    Fubara insisted that he was first promoted by God, who later touched the hearts of the leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to agree and present him as their governorship candidate to win the election.

    Fubara spoke at the 2024 Port Harcourt Holy Ghost Rally of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) with the theme, “Promotion for a purpose.”

    Speaking at the event that was held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Igwurutali in Ikwerre local government area on Sunday, described the theme as a personal gift.

    The governor, in a statement signed by his special assistant, media, Boniface Onyedi, said the theme directly reflected his story and expressed confidence in God to make it permanent.

    He said: “I was promoted by God first, through my party and the leaders. So, promotion comes from God and God alone.

    “Let me take the theme of the rally to be a personal gift from RCCG because the theme is not different from my story. 

    “I have a thanksgiving in my place where I will return this wonderful success in thanksgiving to the only person (God) who will make it permanent and forever.”

    Fubara expressed gratitude to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for his love for Rivers state as demonstrated by the choice of Port Harcourt for the event 

    The governor promised that his government would continue to support the event to make it a success and urged RCCG to keep praying for his administration to achieve the purpose of governance.

    He said: “I want to say a big thank you to this family for your support, before, during, and after our elections. 

    “You have shown so much support to us. Your prayers have kept us going. I want to thank you, especially for that, and to say that our government will continue to support this programme in this State.

    “It is important to mention that prayers cannot be enough. So, continue to pray for us so that the purpose of governance will be achieved in this state.”

    In his welcome address, the Intercontinental Youth Pastor of RCCG, Pastor Belemina Obunge acknowledged the immense support RCCG had received from the state government to host the rally.

  • Fubara’s victory at S’Court good for democracy, says IYC

    Fubara’s victory at S’Court good for democracy, says IYC

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, has congratulated Rivers Governor Siminalaye Fubara on his Supreme Court’s victory, asserting that it is victory for democratic governance in the country.

    The IYC, in a statement on Saturday by its national spokesman, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, said the Council was 

    extremely happy for the apex court’s judgement which remained a triumph for democracy and for the people of Rivers.

    However, the IYC spokesman called on Fubara, to continue to prioritise the development of the Ijaw areas by way of decentralising the development by paying serious attention to the uplift of the rural areas in the state.

    He noted that the IYC used the medium to appreciate all Ijaw youths, critical stakeholders of Ijaw nation and the good spirited people of Rivers who voted and stood firm in support of Fubara during his trying moments. 

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Assembly bars Fubara from appointing LG chairmen

    Princewill stated: “As a council, we are very proud of our Ijaw leaders and gallant youths. We are optimistic that Fubara will provide transformational and uncommon leadership to the people of Rivers.

    ‘IYC sees the victory of Governor Fubara as a victory for democracy and the dawn of a more prosperous leadership in Rivers State.

    “Also, it is our firm belief that Governor Siminalaye Fubara will continue to consolidate the gains recorded by previous administrations in Rivers and improve it. We know that he is going to carry everyone along by operating an open door policy.”

    He urged the people of Rivers State to ensure that peace and security reign supreme to ensure that the state becomes the epicentre of growth and development for the good of all.

  • Rivers crisis: Assembly bars Fubara from appointing LG chairmen

    Rivers crisis: Assembly bars Fubara from appointing LG chairmen

    • Overrides governor’s veto on four bills 
    • You were caught in crossfire, Fubara tells returning pro-Wike commissioners 
    • Rivers elders/leaders forum, others hail gov on S’Court victory

    Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly appear to have returned to the trenches in their battle of wits with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The House yesterday passed a bill stripping the governor of power to appoint caretaker committees for the local government areas.

    The bill – The Rivers Local Government Amendment Law – was one of the four passed by the House to override the governor’s veto of the same earlier passed to him for assent.

    The assembly’s action came on a day the governor swore in the nine pro-Wike commissioners, who had resigned their appointments in the heat of the crisis between the governor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

    Fubara, in a veiled reference to the circumstances that triggered the resignation of the commissioners, said they were caught in cross fire.

    Other bills passed yesterday by the assembly in defiance of the governor’s veto were the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Amendment Law; the Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State Owned Property Prohibition Repeal Law and the Rivers State Funds Management and Financial Autonomy Law.

    One other implication of the Local Government Amendment Law is that the state has to conduct local government election at the expiration of the three-year tenure of the current officials in the next two months.

    Martins Wachukwu, Special Adviser on Media to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, said the House, at its 99th Legislative Sitting, bypassed the assent of the governor to the four bills following a letter from the governor justifying why he failed to sign the bills.

    The governor, in the letter read on the floor of the House, argued that such amendments would create confusion and breach constitutional provisions.

    However, the Speaker, citing Section 100(5) of the 1999 amended Constitution, said the House was empowered to override the governor in the event of the governor withholding assent.

    The Speaker then put the issue before the House for members to vote.

    Twenty-four of them, more than two-thirds majority, unanimously voted that the bills should become laws without Fubara’s assent.

    The section says “where the Governor withholds assent and the bill is again passed by a two-thirds majority, the bill shall become a law and the assent of the Governor shall not be required.”

    Amaewhule said the reasons adduced by the governor for withholding assent on the Local Government Amendment Bill were anticipatory and tailored towards creating a situation that would make holding election in the state impracticable.

    “The key thing here is that this law removes the power of the Governor to appoint caretaker committee chairmen for the local governments. The governor is not happy that we’re removing his powers to appoint caretaker chairmen,” he said.

    Amaewhule described the amendment to the Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Law as innocuous and wondered why the governor declined assent.

    He said the law was amended to include a resolution of the House in the recognition, de-recognition or suspension of traditional rulers in the state to curb arbitrariness.

    On the repeal of the Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State-owned Property (Prohibition) Law No. 7 of 2022, the Speaker said that the House decided to repeal the law to avoid financially overburdening the people of the state or impeding their  access to the use of state-owned facilities and regretted that the governor withheld assent to such people-oriented bills.

    He said that the House would continue to strengthen democratic institutions and ethos in the state and instructed the Clerk of the House to ensure that copies of all the laws were transmitted to relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

    You were caught in cross fire, Fubara tells returnee commissioners

    Regardless of the development in the State Assembly, Fubara swore in the nine loyalists of Wike who had resigned as commissioners in the heat of the crisis.

    Their re-instatement was part of the agreement reached at the Abuja peace talks brokered between the Fubara and Wike sides by President Bola Tinubu.

    Speaking at the event yesterday, Fubara told them he had nothing against them and asked them to engage in activities that would make them to be positively remembered by posterity.

    Observing that they had already read the charge as contained in their oath of office, Fubara in a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Boniface Onyedi, enjoined them to uphold and defend the state’s laws.

    He said: “I wish you well in your coming back. Stand for justice and stand for the interests of our dear state. That is the purpose of your appointment, and that is the truth.

    “I can see how heavy your hearts are. But I assure you that I don’t have anything against anyone of you. You were caught in between during the crossfire.

    “I will advise that you give your best. Like I said the first time, let this state and posterity remember you for what is good.”

    With the inauguration of the returnee commissioners, it was observed that the governor had almost fulfilled the resolutions contained in the peace accord apart from an item which required him to re-present the Rivers 2024 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly led by Speaker  Amaewhule.

    Let’s forego our differences to develop Rivers, says Fubara

    Also yesterday, Fubara, in a broadcast following his electoral victory at the Supreme Court, urged all stakeholders in the state to put aside their differences and unite to develop the state.

    He told the people to expect accelerated growth and development of the state following an end to the legal battles challenging his election.

    The litigation experience, he said, was a tortuous journey that had validated the choice and confirmed the mandate freely given to him by the electorate.

    He said: “It is with great joy and total deference to the Almighty God that I address you after a tortuous legal journey following the governorship election in our state.

    “It is with great nostalgia I reflect on your trust and the absolute confidence you bestowed on us on that fateful March 18, 2023 when you gave us your mandate.

    “Even with that overwhelming support, we had to go through litigation to validate your choice and confirmation of your mandate to us.

    “We are deeply elated by the verdict of the Supreme Court of our dear nation, which has finally affirmed our victory. I owe this victory not to my efforts or our ingenuity, but to God and to you the good people of Rivers State.”

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    Fubara also thanked President Bola Tinubu for playing the role of a father in Rivers, all Rivers leaders and well-meaning people of the state.

    The governor said the Supreme Court judgment was an immeasurable energizer to accelerate governance with utmost sense of commitment for the benefit of Rivers people irrespective of political persuasion or ethnic affiliation.

    He said: “In this regard, what is important to us is the accelerated growth and development of our dear state.

    “Now that the litigations are over, we call on the opposition political parties in the state to join hands with our government to build the Rivers State of our dreams.

    “I extend the olive branch to my contenders and all others who went through the hog and or who withdrew their cases for the love of the state.

    “I believe we are all Rivers people and by virtue of that brotherhood, let us therefore put aside our differences and bond together to build one indivisible and greater Rivers State that posterity will remember us for.”

    Rivers Elders/Leaders Forum, others hail him

    The Rivers State Elders/Leaders Forum congratulated the governor on his victory and asked for the support of the people for him.

    The forum in an eight-point communique hailed the apex court for “this excellent timeout determination of the electoral matters in Rivers State.”

    It said: “The judgment has calmed the outstanding political tension in the state and indeed the Niger Delta.

    “In this contest, there is no victor, no vanquished. All we crave for at this forum is the sanctity of the laws of the country and the Rule of Law.

    “This judgment lays to rest the era of strong men, but protects and encourages strong and viable institutions.”

    The Leader of Oyibo chapter of “Activate Sim”, a socio-political group in the state, Dr. Gift Okere, said the victory of Governor Fubara would engender development in the state.

    Okere, while reacting on the judgment, reiterated the commitment of Oyibo people to continue in their support for all the programmes and activities of Governor Fubara, and called on every member of the state to throw their weights behind the Governor in the interest of the state.

    “For us in Oyibo, the victory means a victory for Nigeria, democracy and Rivers State, particularly the progressive minded people of the state,” he said.

     On his part, a rights activist and Convener Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebodigi, said the judgment marked a pivotal moment for the state, and urged parties to adopt the no-victor-no-vanquished option for peace and unity of the state.

    He said: “Indeed the unfortunate activities of the last few weeks have left our state tensed and sharply polarized many Rivers people along party and ethic lines as have never been seen in our shared history.

    “But as we navigate through the decision of the apex court today, it is important that we unite in a shared commitment to peace, understanding, and collective pursuit of justice for all.”

  • Fubara to returnee commissioners: I have nothing against you

    Fubara to returnee commissioners: I have nothing against you

    In fulfillment of the Rivers State peace accord, the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara has sworn in nine commissioners, who resigned their appointments during the crisis.

    The governor in his commitment to execute the peace accord had earlier re-nominated them and sent their names to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    The nominees, who were asked to take a bow and go by the lawmakers, were inaugurated as commissioners at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, January 26, and readmitted into the state’s executive council.

    Fubara told them he had nothing against them and asked them to engage in activities that would make them to be positively remembered by posterity.

    Observing that they had already read the charge as contained in their oath of office, Fubara in a statement signed by his special assistant, media, Boniface Onyedi, enjoined them to uphold and defend the state’s laws.

    Read Also: Supreme Court affirms Fubara, Kefas, Aliyu victories

    He said: “I wish you well in your coming back. Stand for justice, and stand for the interests of our dear state. That is the purpose of your appointment and that is the truth.

    “I can see how heavy your hearts are. But I assure you that I don’t have anything against anyone of you. You were caught in between during the crossfire.”

    “I will advise that you give your best. Like I said the first time, let this State and posterity remember you for what is good.”

    With the inauguration of the returnee commissioners, it was observed that the governor had almost fulfilled the resolutions contained in the peace accord apart from an item, that required him to re-present the Rivers 2024 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

  • JUST IN: Fubara swears in nine re-nominated commissioners in Rivers

    JUST IN: Fubara swears in nine re-nominated commissioners in Rivers

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has sworn in nine re-nominated commissioners in the state.

    The swearing-in ceremony was conducted at the state Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    The commissioners had resigned to show their loyalty to Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in the heat of the tussle between Wike and the governor.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tonye Cole congratulates Fubara, pledges support

    The new commissioners took the oaths at once, beginning from the oath of allegiance before the oath of office.

    Congratulating the re-sworn commissioners, Governor Fubara urged them to do what is right for the state.

    He said: “I don’t think I have any charge for you. You have already read your charge to uphold the Constitution of the fed Republic of Nigeria. I urge you to do the right thing. I can see how heavy your hearts are. I don’t blame you. You were caught in the crossfire.”

  • Supreme Court affirms Fubara, Kefas, Aliyu victories

    Supreme Court affirms Fubara, Kefas, Aliyu victories

    The Supreme Court yesterday affirmed the elections of Siminalayi Fubara, Agbu Kefas and Ahmad Aliyu as governors of Rivers, Taraba and Sokoto states.

    In three judgments, a five-member panel held that the appellants failed to prove their cases.

    The first judgment was on the appeal by Tonye Cole, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers.

    He prayed to void Fubara’s victory because the election was marred by corrupt practices.

    Cole contended that the poll was not conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.

    He also claimed that Fubara did not validly resign his from previous position before the election was held.

    Cole alleged that Fubara continued to sign documents as the Accountant-General even after he was nominated as the PDP candidate.

    Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, who read the lead judgment, resolved all four issues identified for determination against the appellant.

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    He held that the appeal was devoid of merit.

    The Justice dismissed it and affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld Fubara’s election.

    The second judgment was on the appeal by Muhammad Sani Yahaya of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who sought the nullification of Kefas’ election.

    Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, who read the lead judgment, found that the appeal lacked merit.

    According to him, the Court of Appeal was right to have dismissed the appeal on grounds of incomplete record of appeal.

    He noted that the part of the record of appeal that was omitted was essential for the determination of the case.

    The Justice said the omitted part of the record contained the testimonies of polling unit agents called by the appellants at the trial tribunal in support of their claims relating to invalid votes.

    Justice Garba held that there was no way the Court of Appeal could have determined issues raised without the missing records.

    He adjudged the appeal unmeritorious, dismissed it and affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal which upheld Kefas’ election.

    The third judgment was on the appeal by Sa’idu Umar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Sokoto poll.

    Umar and his party had sought to void Aliyu’s election, claiming he and the APC were wrongly declared winners because they did not secure a majority of valid votes cast.

    They alleged other malpractices, including that Aliyu submitted forged academic credentials, that he was not qualified and that he did not accompany his Form EC9 with an affidavit as required by law.

    In the lead judgment, Justice Tijjani Abubakar resolved all the issues distilled for determination against the appellants.

    The Justice held that the appellants failed to prove their claims and dismissed the appeal.

    He affirmed the November 27, 2023 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld Aliyu’s election.

    Fubara to opposition: join in building Rivers

    Fubara expressed gratitude to God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his triumph at the Supreme Court.

    The governor declared his resolve to remain committed to the purpose for which he was elected, saying nothing would distract his governance.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Boniface Onyedi, he said: “The Supreme Court revalidation of our mandate 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. We have had a few distractions here and there.

    “The good news is a refreshing strength that will encourage us to continue the good works in governance.

    “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.”

    Rivers PDP chapter congratulated Fubara, saying the victory was a reflection of the massive support the governor enjoyed from the people at the poll.

    The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Tambari Sydney Gbara, said: “It is also our conviction that with this judgment and victory, Rivers people will continue to enjoy the dividends of good governance.”

    Also, the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) congratulated Fubara. 

    In a statement jointly by its Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley and the Secretary, Ike Wigodo, the NUJ described the verdict as confirmation of the people’s trust and mandate freely given to the governor.

    “We urge the people of Rivers State, especially the political class, to put all that happened during and after the elections in the state behind them and support the Siminilayi Fubara-led government to succeed and make Rivers a better place for all,” the union said.

  • JUST IN: Tonye Cole congratulates Fubara, pledges support

    JUST IN: Tonye Cole congratulates Fubara, pledges support

    Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, has congratulated Rivers Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara over the Supreme Court’s ruling that rejected his objection to the election.

    Cole stated this in a video he posted on his social media accounts hours after the verdict.

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    “Great people of Rivers State, I acknowledge the recent Supreme Court pronouncement of Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara as governor of Rivers State. As a committed democrat, I respect the rule of law and therefore pursued the electoral process diligently,” he said on Thursday.

    He congratulated the Governor while also extending a hand of fellowship.

    According to him: “Our collective goal is peace and I pledge to collaborate with all well-meaning individuals in and out of government to revive Rivers state to a place where commerce thrives”.